The Italian ambassador to Accra, Laura Ranalli, recently visited the offices of Eni Ghana, where she engaged in fruitful discussions with managing director Maurizio Pinna and his team. This visit, held on March 21, 2025, highlighted Eni’s substantial involvement in Ghana’s energy sector, particularly in oil and gas exploration and production, as well as refining and chemicals, which take place primarily off the Ghanaian coast.
Eni Ghana is not merely an oil and gas entity; it actively participates in social initiatives that enhance local resources. The company has implemented several programs focused on micro-entrepreneurship training, improving access to water resources, and providing education and health protection. One of its significant contributions includes distributing improved cookers to local communities, aimed at ensuring access to efficient energy sources and reducing wood and charcoal consumption in cooking, thereby positively impacting the environment.
In a separate yet equally notable event, President John Dramani Mahama honored two elderly craftsmen, Agya Akwasi Agyei and Kwaku Appiah, who are credited with the design of the Hwedom, the presidential seat of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. This meeting, which took place in Kumasi, showcased not only Mahama’s respect for cultural heritage but also his recognition of the invaluable contributions of artisans in Ghana.
The Hwedom is more than just a seat; it is a symbol of the life and sovereignty of Ghana, intricately carved from wood and adorned with gold and traditional Ghanaian adinkra symbols. The president’s visit was captured on a video shared on TikTok by a local radio station, which quickly garnered attention and praise from Ghanaians, celebrating this gesture as a long-overdue recognition of the craftsmen.
During the meeting, Mahama presented the two craftsmen with envelopes containing undisclosed amounts of money as tokens of appreciation for their work. The visit also included prominent members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, including PV Jantuah and Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who accompanied the president as he exchanged pleasantries with the artisans.
Despite the importance of recognizing local talent, it was noted that Agya Akwasi Agyei and Kwaku Appiah had not been properly celebrated since they created the presidential stool many years ago.
As Ghana moves forward in various sectors, including its commitment to sustainable practices, it is also paving the way for international collaborations in the energy sector. The nation is poised to transfer its first International Transfer of Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) by the second half of 2025, symbolizing its dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation in energy management strategies.
Such advancements illustrate Ghana’s multifaceted approach to growth and development, addressing energy sustainability while simultaneously preserving and honoring its cultural heritage. The entrepreneurial spirit fostered by companies like Eni Ghana, combined with governmental recognition of local artisans, paints a promising picture for the nation’s socio-economic landscape.