The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) has officially welcomed Afetsi Awoonor, a seasoned energy sector executive with vast experience in Sub-Saharan trading, as its seventh Managing Director.
Announced by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, Awoonor’s appointment, effective January 20, 2025, is set to bring a strategic shift to the region’s prominent oil infrastructure company.
The leadership transition was marked by a formal handover ceremony at BOST’s Head Office in Accra, where outgoing MD, Dr. Edwin Provencal, passed on the leadership mantle in a ceremony described by officials as a model of corporate governance.
Mr. Afetsi Awoonor brings nearly a decade of experience in the African oil and gas sector to his new role as Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST). Most recently, he served as Senior Partner at DOC Africa and Regional Head of Sales and Marketing at Convenio Energy, where he led hydrocarbon trading operations across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Awoonor’s appointment also marks his return to BOST, having previously served as Manager of Government Relations from September 2016 to April 2017.
During the handover ceremony, Awoonor expressed his gratitude to outgoing MD Dr. Edwin Provencal for his remarkable leadership, which has seen BOST achieve significant growth. Awoonor committed to strengthening the company’s operations while focusing on collaboration, innovation, and excellence as he steers BOST towards its next phase of development and success.
The appointment has received broad support from various stakeholders. The BOST Senior Staff Union, through its leadership, pledged their “full support and cooperation to Mr. Awoonor and his leadership team as we work together to achieve the company’s strategic objectives.”
The union further noted that the appointment “demonstrates the President’s commitment to selecting highly qualified individuals to lead key institutions” in the country.
Similarly, the Ketu North arm of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in their congratulatory message, noted that “this critical designation is a testament to his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and exceptional competence.”
They also expressed “profound gratitude to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, for recognising and rewarding loyalty, hard work, competence, and merit through this crucial appointment.”
Mr. Awoonor’s educational background includes an Executive Master’s in International Oil & Gas Leadership from the Geneva Graduate Institute and a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Management from IFP School, both completed in 2015. This technical expertise is complemented by his extensive practical experience in hydrocarbon trading and business development across sub-Saharan Africa.
Beyond his corporate role, Mr. Awoonor has demonstrated commitment to social development through the Afetsi Awoonor Foundation, established in 2023 to support human resource development in local communities, with particular focus on youth and women empowerment through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
The appointment has also garnered significant local support. In a letter to the President, the Weta Traditional Area Chiefs’ Council noted that “this appointment not only reflects your commitment to recognising capable leaders like Mr. Awoonor, whose expertise and dedication will significantly contribute to the success of BOST and the nation as a whole, but it has also brought immense pride and joy to the entire Weta community.”
The Volta Regional Youth Wing of the NDC added that “your elevation to this prestigious position is a testament to the President’s confidence in the Ghanaian youth and most importantly, his recognition of your expertise, dedication, and commitment to the oil industry and your leadership abilities.”
Incorporated in 1993, BOST – as the nation’s primary bulk oil storage and transportation company – plays a crucial role in the country’s energy security and distribution infrastructure. The company’s leadership transition comes at a time when efficient management of oil storage and transportation infrastructure remains critical to national and regional energy sector development.
Mr. Awoonor’s previous role at Convenio Energy, where he managed relationships with refineries, National and International oil companies (NOC/IOC), bulk distributors, oil marketers, importers/exporters, public and private sector companies, is expected to aid in his current capacity.
