Ghana: NPA Launches Technical Committee To Regulate Bitumen Sector

Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has inaugurated a 16-member multi-stakeholder Bitumen Technical Committee tasked with developing a robust regulatory framework to guide the quality, regulation, and use of bitumen in Ghana’s road construction sector.

The committee is chaired by Mr. Abass Tasunti, Director of Economic Regulation and Planning (ER&P) at the NPA, with Ms. Bridgette A. Turkson, Acting Director of the Licensing Directorate, serving as Co-Chair.

Other members include representatives from the NPA’s Quality Assurance, Licensing, Inspections, Monitoring and HSE, and Economic Regulation and Planning Directorates, as well as key stakeholders from the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), and the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

The bitumen industry has existed in Ghana for several years and plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of the country’s road infrastructure. However, there is currently no dedicated regulatory framework governing key activities such as importation, storage, transportation, distribution, and quality assurance.

Speaking on the importance of the Bitumen Technical Committee, the Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Mr. Tameklo Esq., said the committee would ensure that bitumen produced or imported into the country meets the required standards.

“The road sector is a huge consumer of bitumen, and the concern is coming primarily from that sector regarding the quality of the product available. As long as it is a by-product of the refinery, it comes directly under the NPA, and we have the responsibility to ensure that the bitumen that enters the country is of good quality,” Mr. Tameklo said.

“You will notice that the Technical Committee comprises members from the NPA, Ghana Standards Authority, and Ghana Highways Authority so that we can work together to ensure that Ghana uses bitumen of the highest quality.”

The NPA CEO also noted that the inclusion of representatives from various stakeholder institutions would help ensure a collaborative approach toward developing a comprehensive regulatory framework.

“The Technical Committee has strong multi-stakeholder representation, even though it is heavily tilted towards the NPA. This is a very critical committee, and I want all of you to do your best. No compromises—let’s do it for Ghana.”

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr. Abass Tasunti, expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver on its mandate and encouraged members to contribute actively to the process.

“Bitumen is a critical product in the country. Almost all our roads are constructed with it, so it is important that we pay close attention to it.

“As a regulator, the NPA must exercise oversight over all petroleum products, including bitumen. We have been engaging stakeholders over the years to develop a framework that will ensure any bitumen produced or imported meets international standards.

“The diversity of this committee is intended to ensure that the best expertise is brought to bear on this task. I therefore encourage everyone to participate fully so that we can develop a practical and effective regulatory framework,” Mr. Tasunti said.

The inauguration of the Bitumen Technical Committee marks a significant step in the NPA’s efforts to strengthen quality assurance and regulatory oversight within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.