Ghana: NPA To Spearhead Deployment Of Automated Dispensers To Aid 24-Hour Economy Policy

Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), says it is exploring various aspects of the downstream petroleum value chain, alongside a comprehensive implementation plan, to facilitate the rollout of the governing party’s campaign promise of running a 24-hour economy.

In Ghana, most businesses operate in the day, with only few manufacturing companies operating at night.

Due to minimal activities at night, most fuel retail outlets also close between 7 pm and 8 pm to avoid robbery and other crime related activities.

In a bid to expand the West African nation’s economy and also boost job creation for the teaming youth, the ruling government wants to introduce a 24-hour economy policy to incentivise some businesses to operate both day and night shifts.

This would require that some fuel retail outlets operate at night in order to ensure availability of fuel to keep the transportation sector also functioning.

Speaking at the maiden Petroleum Downstream Dialogue 2025 in Accra, the capital of Ghana, the Chief Executive Officer of NPA, Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., mentioned that the initial phase of the implementation of the 24-hour economy in the petroleum downstream sector might include the deployment of automated dispensers at selected petroleum retail outlets, as well as the implementation of measures to ensure the continuous operation of bulk storage facilities and depots, among other initiatives.

The two-day petroleum downstream dialogue was held on the theme; ‘Ghana’s Downstream Oil and Gas Sector: Challenges and Opportunities’.

The platform was for the stakeholders in the petroleum downstream sector to discuss pertinent issues, share insights and develop actionable strategies for the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The theme for discussion on day one included: ‘Downtown Petroleum Sector, Local Content and Participation’, ‘Navigating the Energy Transition in the Downstream Petroleum Sector: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Roadmap to Sustainability’ and ‘Policy Development and Regulatory Reforms’.

Mr Tameklo Esq. said the NPA envisioned a downstream sector that is innovative, efficient and sustainable.

“Since assuming office, I have emphasised the importance of affordability, quality and reliability in the supply of petroleum products to Ghanaians.

“Our commitment is to ensure fair pricing and strict adherence to industry standards, in alignment with the vision of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, to reset and transform the sector while also rolling out 24-hour economy solutions,” he said.

The NPA Boss called for robust collaboration with industry players, sister government agencies and international partners to achieve the goals set in the industry.

“We must strive to reaffirm our commitment to excellence, transparency and innovation. Together, we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities to ensure that Ghana’s petroleum downstream industry remains an efficient and significant contributor to our nation’s prosperity,” he said.

Mr Tameklo Esq. said since the inception of the NPA about twenty years ago, the industry had evolved significantly.

He said a solid foundation had been laid through the establishment of regulatory frameworks for pricing, supply, quality and the development of infrastructure among others.

“Ghana’s petroleum downstream plays a pivotal role in providing assurance for our nation’s energy security while driving economic growth,” he said.

The NPA Chief Executive said while achieving a lot, the impact of some policies had brought about some negative externalities such as illegal imports, credit opacity, distribution inefficiencies and some infrastructure glut amongst many others.

Besides, he said the industry was also evolving to accommodate the global call for climate change mitigation plans as well as the impending risk of stranding of fossil fuel assets.

Mr Tameklo Esq., therefore, called for a balance between providing energy security (product availability, accessibility and affordability) to Ghanaian consumers as well as ensuring that the industry adapts efficiently to energy transition happenings around the world.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com