Former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has chaired his final meeting as President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), bringing his successful two-term leadership to a close.

The meeting, held in Cape Town, marks the end of Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s tenure as President of ARDA.

He is expected to officially hand over the presidency to his successor on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdul-Hamid expressed deep gratitude to Allah, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ARDA Executive Secretary Anibor Kragha, and the entire Executive Committee for their unwavering support and collective achievements over the years.

“Together, we have positioned ARDA at the heart of global energy discourse,” he noted.

“We have re-engineered our Constitution to infuse greater vibrancy, inclusivity, and dynamism into the organization.”

Under his leadership, ARDA has expanded its influence in global energy policy discussions and championed major reforms within Africa’s refining and distribution sector.

As he steps down, Dr. Abdul-Hamid expressed optimism about the future of the Association, stating, “Hopefully, the next President will take ARDA to even greater heights.”

ARDA, a key platform for the continent’s downstream oil and gas industry, continues to play a vital role in shaping Africa’s energy future through dialogue, collaboration, and policy development.