Former IMF Executive joins TRANSCO CLSG

The TRANSCO CLSG has recruited Bernard Wleh Jappah, a former Senior Advisor in the Office of the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as its Commercial Director.

The role of the Commercial Director is to ensure that TRANSCO CLSG provides a diverse range of commercial services that will make the institution a leader in the energy transmission industry in the region.

Working in close collaboration with the Technical Director, the Finance and Administration Director, and initially with the recruited operation and maintenance operator, the Commercial Director is responsible for the negotiation of transmission service agreements, monitoring the implementation of these agreements, invoicing of transmission services, overseeing of billings, collections and revenue management, marketing of transmission capacity, customer relations and commercialization of the excess fiber optic capacity.

Mr. Jappah joins TRANSCO CLSG with a wealth of professional experience, in both the public and private sectors. He is a skilled professional with over 20 years of experience in public financial management, commercial management, corporate financial management, operations management, economic and public policy, project management, and high-level contract management.

Prior to his appointment with TRANSCO CLSG in September 2023, Mr. Jappah worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, with oversight responsibility for issues in Liberia and Tanzania, from April 2016 to April 2022. He also held similar responsibility for The Gambia.

The Commercial Director has also worked as a Consultant in the Office of the Executive Governor, Central Bank of Liberia, with primary responsibility for IMF and World Bank affairs.

Mr. Jappah is credited for leading the Public Financial Management Reforms for the Government of Liberia, as the PFM Reform Coordinator and Project Manager for the multi-donor supported project, IPFMRP- a position he held from 2008- April 2016.

Other senior management positions held by Mr. Jappah include Operations Manager for UNFPA with responsibility for finance, procurement, staffing, and audit, and Country Financial and Credit Controller for DHL Liberia and DHL Ghana (a.i.). He holds two graduate degrees, including an MPA (public policy concentration) from the University of the District of Columbia, USA.

The General Manager, Mohammed M. Sherif, challenged the new Commercial Director to be strong and unwavering in supporting the implementation of the CLSG project.

“We congratulate you and welcome you onboard. All of us agreed that you join us based on our conviction that you will bring value to the TRANSCO CLSG. I have no doubts that your extensive experience in the region will be invaluable to TRANSCO CLSG, as we endeavor to deliver on our goal which is to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity to our beloved CLSG countries and beyond.”

In response, Mr. Jappah said he was delighted to work with the team of professionals at TRANSCO CLSG. He thanked the General Manager and team for the opportunity given him to serve.

Mr. Jappah promised to support the short- and long-term goals of TRANSCO CLSG management, underpinned by the commitment of regional leaders to ensure reliable and sustainable electricity is delivered to our people.

He also promised to work diligently with colleagues to improve the access of our population to energy.