Dr. Papa Benin, a proud alumnus of Saint Augustine’s College, Cape Coast, has risen to great heights in his career, earning widespread recognition for his contributions to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
A member of the esteemed 1996 graduating class, he was a dedicated science student, immersed in the rigorous curriculum of the Science 2 class, where he cultivated a passion for analytical thinking and problem-solving.
After excelling in his studies at Saint Augustine’s, Dr. Benin pursued his academic ambitions at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he specialized in Mechanical Engineering. His time at KNUST was marked by discipline, innovation, and a drive to make a meaningful impact. Upon completing his engineering degree, he transitioned into the energy sector, recognizing the critical role it plays in the advancement of Ghana and beyond.
As the Managing Director of Stark Energy Limited, Dr. Benin has championed innovative solutions and spearheaded projects that have significantly improved the lives of Ghanaians. His leadership has transformed Stark Energy into a beacon of excellence, driving sustainable energy solutions while fostering economic growth. Through his initiatives, Dr. Benin has created opportunities for countless individuals, inspiring many to realize their full potential.
In 2024, his contributions were celebrated on a grand stage as he received a prestigious citation during the 2nd Edition of the Most Influential People Awards (MIPA). This accolade recognized not only his role in driving development but also his exemplary leadership and ability to inspire others to greatness. The citation acknowledged his efforts in enhancing Ghana’s standing in the global community while empowering millions to aspire to new heights.
Dr. Papa Benin’s journey from the classrooms of Saint Augustine’s College to the boardrooms of Stark Energy serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his passion for driving transformative change. His story is a source of inspiration for aspiring leaders, especially those from his alma mater, who look up to him as a role model for dedication, innovation, and impact.
PROFILE:
Dr. Papa Benin is a Mechanical & Energy Engineer with 20 years of experience in Project Development and Implementation of Crude Oil Refineries, including 12 years in Offshore Oil & Gas Platform operations and engineering management practice.
He currently serves as the Managing Director of Stark Energy Limited and country representative of EM&I-Global, PARLYM-France, DEC-Belgium, MANNTEK-Sweden, ELAFLEX-Germany, Mariflex-Netherlands, and HCP Aviation Global.
Dr. Benin worked as the Quality Assurance & Quality Control Consultant to Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on the Sentuo Crude Oil Refinery project.
In his previous role, Dr. Benin was the erstwhile Local Manager for MODEC Ghana Operations, where he spearheaded local content strategies and served as the primary liaison with the government. He also held the position of Warranty Engineer/Manager for the Jubilee FPSO (Ghana’s first Oil production vessel) and managed the “Ready for First Oil” process for the TEN FPSO (Ghana’s second oil production vessel). In addition, Dr. Benin worked as a Project Engineer for Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for 7 years where he led capital improvement projects for the Refinery. He brings international experience, having worked with ABB in Sweden for 2 years where he moulded the world’s first ever electromagnetic brakes for continuous steel casters.
In Ghana’s offshore petroleum sector, Dr. Benin is credited with successfully developing practical strategies that increased the local content on the Jubilee and TEN FPSOs to meet and exceed regulatory requirements, while maintaining high standards of crew competency and platform safety. The localization model Dr. Benin developed for Ghana was successfully replicated in MODEC Ivory Coast & Senegal. In addition, in partnership with EM&I, Dr Benin led the successful introduction of diver less inspection and asset integrity technologies in Ghana’s offshore petroleum sector.
He holds numerous certifications and academic qualifications. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and an experienced HAZOP (Hazard and Operability) studies & Lean Six Sigma leader, who has specialized in downstream, midstream and upstream Oil & Gas engineering and operations management.
Dr. Benin earned a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as well as both a BSc and MSc in Energy Engineering from Sweden. He later completed a Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences (Management) from the United States, with a focus on Engineering Management, Leadership, and Organizational Change.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Dr. Benin is a lecturer at the Regional Maritime University (RMU), where he teaches MSc engineering and port and shipping students from various West African countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Gambia, Liberia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. He also lectures Ph.D., MSc, and MPhil students at the University of Cape Coast’s Institute for Oil & Gas Studies—Centre of Excellence in Petroleum, Energy Economics & Management, a program sponsored by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
