PIAC Elects Richard Ellimah as New Chairperson for 2025-2026: Key Updates on Ghana’s Petroleum Governance

Stay informed on the latest developments in Ghana’s extractives sector as the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) ushers in new leadership to safeguard petroleum revenues. This election signals a continued commitment to transparency and accountability.

Introduction

The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Ghana’s key watchdog for petroleum revenue management, has elected Richard Ellimah as its new Chairperson for the 2025–2026 period. This leadership change, announced following elections on November 12, 2025, underscores PIAC’s ongoing role in promoting transparency in the management of Ghana’s oil and gas revenues. Established under Section 51 of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) of 2011 (Act 815), PIAC ensures that petroleum funds are allocated, managed, and utilized prudently.

Why This Matters for Ghana’s Economy

Ghana’s commercial oil production began in 2010 with the Jubilee Field, generating billions in revenues. PIAC’s mandate is crucial amid global demands for extractives transparency, aligning with initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Richard Ellimah’s election positions PIAC to navigate intensified oversight during a pivotal era for energy sector governance.

Analysis

Richard Ellimah, a seasoned natural resource governance analyst, entrepreneur, and long-time PIAC recommender representing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), steps into the chairperson role with nearly 20 years of experience. His election replaces Constantine Okay M. Kudzedzi, Esq., and reflects stakeholder confidence in his advocacy for policy, community engagement, and sector oversight.

Leadership Transition Details

At the same meeting, Edward Yaw Afriyie, a biomedical scientist representing the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), was elected Vice Chairperson, succeeding Odeefuo Amoakwa Boadu VIII. This duo is poised to lead PIAC through 2025-2026, focusing on reinforcing its reputation for accountability.

New Members and Institutional Strengthening

Five new PIAC members were sworn in by Samuel Arkhurst, Coordinating Director (Technical) at the Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Finance Minister. These appointees include:

• Christopher Opoku Nyarko from Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI)
• Sena Dake from Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG)
• Zamboanga Rufai Saminu from Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
• Veronica Adigbo from Ghana Bar Association (GBA)
• Nana Soglo Alloh IV from National House of Chiefs

This refreshed composition enhances PIAC’s multi-stakeholder approach, drawing expertise from transparency bodies, accounting, media, law, and traditional leadership.

Summary

In summary, PIAC’s election of Richard Ellimah as Chairperson and Edward Yaw Afriyie as Vice Chairperson for 2025-2026, alongside inducting five new members, marks a strategic renewal. Ellimah pledged to build on PIAC’s solid foundation, emphasizing stronger accountability in Ghana’s petroleum revenues. Since its inception in 2011, PIAC has monitored revenue flows, ensuring compliance with PRMA provisions for allocation to stabilization funds, heritage funds, and development needs.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For stakeholders interested in Ghana’s petroleum sector, engaging with PIAC offers actionable pathways. CSOs and CBOs can submit recommendations via PIAC’s annual reports portal. Businesses in the extractives industry should review PIAC’s public disclosures on revenue utilization to align with transparency standards.

How to Access PIAC Reports

PIAC publishes annual and quarterly reports on its website, detailing petroleum receipts, disbursements, and compliance. Citizens can request data under Ghana’s Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). Journalists and researchers should monitor PIAC meetings for public input opportunities, fostering greater involvement in resource governance.

Steps for Community Engagement

Local communities in oil-producing regions like Western Ghana can partner with PIAC through public hearings. Use tools like the EITI validation process to report discrepancies, ensuring revenues fund infrastructure and social programs as mandated.

Points of Caution

While PIAC strengthens oversight, challenges persist in petroleum revenue management. Volatile global oil prices can impact receipts, as seen in PIAC’s 2022-2023 reports noting production declines. Stakeholders must watch for delays in revenue reporting by state agencies like the Petroleum Commission.

Risks in Extractives Governance

Historical issues, such as the 2014 Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) cash waterfall disputes highlighted in PIAC audits, remind us of enforcement gaps. New leadership should prioritize digital tracking systems to mitigate mismanagement risks without overstepping PRMA boundaries.

Comparison

Compared to prior terms, Ellimah’s tenure follows a period of robust PIAC reporting under Kudzedzi, with 2023 audits revealing improved capex transparency in the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA). Vice Chair Afriyie’s industry background contrasts with predecessors, potentially bridging private sector gaps evident in past GNCCI critiques of revenue allocation.

PIAC Performance Metrics

PIAC’s annual reports show consistent revenue tracking since 2011, with disbursements to the Ghana Heritage Fund rising from $100 million in early years to over $500 million by 2023. This election maintains momentum amid Ghana’s push for gas monetization via projects like Atuabo Gas Plant expansions.

Legal Implications

PIAC operates strictly under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815), amended by Act 893 in 2015. Section 51 mandates its composition from CSOs, industry, chiefs, and professionals, with powers to monitor, audit, and report on petroleum funds. Non-compliance by public officials can trigger PRMA penalties, including fines up to 500 penalty units or imprisonment.

PRMA Compliance Framework

The Act requires ring-fencing of revenues into funds like the Stabilization Fund (up to 18% of proceeds) and Public Interest and Accountability Committee oversight ensures no diversions. Recent swearing-in aligns with Section 52’s nomination process by the Minister of Finance, reinforcing legal accountability in Ghana’s fiscal regime.

Conclusion

Richard Ellimah’s election as PIAC Chairperson for 2025-2026 fortifies Ghana’s commitment to transparent petroleum revenue management. With experienced leadership and diverse new members, PIAC is equipped to oversee critical allocations amid energy sector growth. This development reaffirms the PRMA’s efficacy, benefiting Ghana’s economy through prudent resource stewardship and public trust.

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