Energy Minister Receives SMRP International Leadership Award

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has been honoured with the prestigious International Leadership Award by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP), in recognition of his transformative leadership within the energy sector.

The award, presented by the SMRP Caribbean Chapter, acknowledges Dr. Jinapor’s commitment to strengthening maintenance culture, asset management systems and operational reliability across Ghana’s energy landscape.

The recognition also highlights his broader influence in promoting sustainability and professional excellence beyond national borders.

Accepting the honour on behalf of Dr. Jinapor, the Director of Renewable Energy at the Ministry, Seth Agbeve Mahu, described the recognition as symbolic of a deepening partnership between the two nations.

“This award recognizes the role Dr. Jinapor is playing in transforming the energy sector; not only in Ghana, but across the entire African continent” Seth Agbeve Mahu, Director of Renewable Energy at the Ministry.

His remarks reflect a broader diplomatic and technical relationship that has developed over the years. Trinidad and Tobago, with its long-standing experience in natural gas development and downstream processing, has played a strategic advisory and investment role in Ghana’s emerging oil and gas industry.

“This award symbolizes a bridge between Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana. We hope that with this award, the two countries would become much closer and will collaborate and cooperate in the area of energy transition for the mutual benefits of our people.”

The cooperation represents a model of South-South partnership, where developing economies exchange expertise and build capacity without relying solely on traditional Western energy markets.

Recognition

According to the citation accompanying the honour, Dr. Jinapor was recognised for inspiring innovation and championing initiatives that reinforce reliability, sustainability and professional standards within the energy industry.

Industry observers note that maintenance and reliability management are critical pillars in ensuring stable electricity generation, efficient oil and gas operations and long-term infrastructure resilience.

By prioritising these elements, the Ministry has sought to reduce operational downtime, improve asset performance and enhance safety standards across state and private energy institutions.

The International Leadership Award is regarded as one of SMRP’s most distinguished accolades. It celebrates individuals whose impact transcends their organisations and countries, promoting technical excellence, workforce development and industry best practices for the benefit of communities at large.

For Ghana’s energy sector, the recognition places a spotlight on efforts to modernise systems while aligning with global standards in asset management and operational efficiency.

Advancing Maintenance

Maintenance and reliability management are often less visible components of energy reform, yet they remain essential to operational success. Poorly maintained assets can lead to frequent breakdowns, safety risks and financial losses.

Through policy reforms and institutional strengthening, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has sought to embed a culture of preventive maintenance and performance monitoring within Ghana’s energy institutions.

Such reforms are particularly significant as the country pursues energy transition goals that require balancing thermal power stability with renewable energy expansion.

SMRP’s International Leadership Award recognises leaders who advocate for workforce development and technical competence. By promoting continuous training and professional certification, Ghana aims to ensure that engineers, technicians and plant operators meet international reliability benchmarks.

Dr. Jinapor’s leadership has also been closely associated with Ghana’s broader green transition strategy. As global energy systems evolve toward lower-carbon solutions, maintaining existing infrastructure efficiently becomes as important as investing in new renewable projects.

Efficient asset management reduces waste, extends equipment lifespan and minimises environmental risks. These outcomes align with Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development while maintaining energy security.

The SMRP International Leadership Award positions Ghana within a network of global professionals dedicated to operational excellence. For Dr. Jinapor, the honour not only affirms personal leadership but also reflects institutional progress within the Ministry.