Middle East Tensions Should Be a Wake-Up Call for African Leaders – Ben Nsiah (CEMSE)

Growing instability in the Middle East is raising fresh concerns about global energy security, with policy analysts warning that African countries must urgently rethink their dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

Ben Nsiah of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) has on Kessben Maakye said , recent geopolitical developments — including escalating tensions involving US,Israel —Iran should serve as a critical lesson for African leaders, particularly in oil-producing nations.

According to him, Africa’s continued reliance on exporting crude oil while importing refined petroleum leaves its economies highly vulnerable to external shocks.

“What is happening in the Middle East must teach African leaders some lessons,” he stressed.

Mr. Nsiah pointed to Nigeria’s recent policy direction as a step worth emulating. Africa’s largest oil producer has increasingly prioritized domestic refining, with significant volumes of crude being allocated to the Dangote Refinery to meet local demand.

This move, he noted, is aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuel and insulating its economy from global supply disruptions.

Mr. Nsiah questioned the apparent lack of clear policy direction regarding local refining.

Despite being an oil-producing country, Ghana continues to export crude while importing refined petroleum products, a situation he described as economically inefficient.

“What is happening with Ghana’s own oil? Not even the government has outlined measures to stop exporting crude and instead refine locally through TOR and its affiliate refineries,” he queried.

He argued that revamping the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and investing in additional refining capacity could significantly reduce Ghana’s import bill and stabilize fuel prices domestically.

Mr. Nsiah further warned that any escalation in the Middle East , particularly a direct strike on major oil infrastructure as warned by US President Donald Trump after the 48 hour ultimatum, could have severe ripple effects on global supply and pricing.

He cautioned that in such a scenario, oil-producing countries may prioritize domestic consumption over exports, tightening supply on the international market and driving prices higher.

“If major oil fields are targeted, producing countries will naturally focus on themselves.

Africa will be among the hardest hit due to its dependence on imported finished products,” he explained.

The energy expert is therefore urging African governments to adopt proactive measures, including:

Expanding local refining capacity,

Reducing reliance on imported petroleum products,

Strengthening strategic fuel reserves,

and Investing in energy diversification.

He emphasized that the time for reactive policies has passed, and that long-term energy security must become a priority.

As global tensions continue to evolve, analysts say the decisions made today could determine how resilient African economies remain in the face of future energy shocks.