The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Ghana’s energy sector are in mourning following the death of Dr. Dramani Bukari Ecomog, the Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, who reportedly passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in London after a short illness.
The sudden demise of the respected energy and climate-change expert has sent shockwaves across the petroleum sector and among colleagues, friends, and associates, with many taking to social media to express their grief and pay tribute.
Short Illness and Passing
According to sources familiar with the matter, Dr. Bukari was receiving medical care in London prior to his death. However, details surrounding the nature of his illness and the hospital where he received treatment have not yet been officially disclosed.
As of the time of filing this report, the NPA had not issued an official statement on the circumstances of his passing. Further information regarding funeral and burial arrangements is expected to be communicated by the family and the Authority in due course.
A Distinguished Career in Energy and Climate Policy
Dr. Bukari brought over 16 years of experience as an Energy and Climate Change Specialist to his role at the NPA. Before his appointment as Deputy CEO in February 2025, he served as Director for Partnerships, Entrepreneurship, and Investments at the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), Ashesi University, a position he held from January 2022. At the GCIC, he oversaw entrepreneurship training, strategic partnerships, access to finance for supported businesses, policy research and advocacy, as well as technical assistance for entrepreneurs working on climate and sustainable-development solutions.
He was also a Research Fellow and Project Coordinator at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom from November 2020 to February 2022, where he coordinated research activities on mini-grids across Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, and Nigeria, focusing on sustainability, inclusiveness, and governance in renewable-energy systems. Earlier, he worked with SNV as Programme Manager and Energy Sector Focal Point from September 2016 to December 2020, managing energy, agriculture, and climate-change projects.
Academic Credentials
Dr. Bukari held a PhD in Sustainable Energy Technologies from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), completed in 2023. He also obtained an MSc in Energy Economics and a BA in Economics, bringing a unique blend of technical and economic expertise to his work.
Role at the National Petroleum Authority
Dr. Bukari became the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NPA in February 2025, alongside Dr. Sheila Addo, following their appointment by President John Dramani Mahama. In this capacity, he contributed to the regulation and development of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, including issues relating to petroleum pricing, taxation, and market stability.
He also chaired the Infrastructure and Technology Sub-committee under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, where he was involved in assessing downstream operations at major fuel installations, including the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) and the Sentuo Oil Refinery. He was also involved in efforts to support the recovery and expansion of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) as part of measures to strengthen local fuel supply.
Thought Leadership and Publications
A respected thought leader, Dr. Bukari co-chaired the Climate and Environment Working Group of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (West Africa) and led its Research Sub-Committee. He was a published author and reviewer for leading journals, including Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, Energy for Sustainable Development, and Applied Energy.
He frequently contributed as a panelist at global and local forums on energy transition and climate resilience, leveraging technology, innovative business models, and progressive policy approaches to drive low-carbon development.
Tributes and Reactions
Following the news of his passing, social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence. One tribute described the loss as deeply felt, stating: “Today, 11th August 2026, our hearts are broken once more as we mourn Dr Dramani Bukari Ecomog, Deputy CEO of NPA and Special Aide to the late Limuna”.
Colleagues and well-wishers have expressed grief over his sudden passing, with many describing it as a major loss to those who knew and worked with him.
