The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Steering Committee, tasked with spearheading the 24-Hour Economy initiative in Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry, has held its maiden meeting to develop a strategic roadmap for both short- and long-term implementation.
The committee was mandated by President John Dramani Mahama, through the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the 24-Hour Secretariat, to design regulatory frameworks, strategies, and timelines to operationalize the 24-hour economy across the petroleum value chain.
Addressing the meeting, NPA Chief Executive, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), stressed the importance of the initiative, describing it as a key government policy that the President is determined to see realized.yo
“We are ready to ensure that the 24-Hour Economy in the Downstream Petroleum Sector aligns with national development plans and energy security,” he said.
Mr. Tameklo emphasized that the downstream petroleum sector is well-positioned to drive the transformation, noting that the President expects the initiative to be kickstarted in the sector as a model for others. He also urged strong collaboration with security agencies to ensure smooth implementation.
Representing the Presidency, Roland Azuvgu of the 24-Hour Secretariat, announced that the programme had already begun its rollout.
He urged fuel retail outlets to activate their part of the initiative to support other sectors already in motion.
For his part, the Chairman of the Tanker Drivers Union, George Nyaunu, raised concerns about the poor state of roads leading to depot sites, which he said were damaging vehicles. He appealed to the Minister of Roads and Highways to prioritize depot road construction to ease fuel transportation.
Stakeholders at the meeting pledged support for the initiative, including assessing funding needs and mobilizing resources through mechanisms such as Public-Private Partnerships.
Under its terms of reference, the committee will provide high-level policy and strategic guidance, oversee the work of subcommittees, and help resolve institutional or jurisdictional challenges that may arise during implementation.
The Steering Committee is chaired by Mr. Tameklo, supported by his deputies, Dr. Dramani Bukari and Dr. Sheila Addo, alongside NPA directors.
Other members include the Managing Director of BOST, Mr. Afetsi Awonoor; Chief Executive of CBOD, Dr. Patrick Ofori; Chief Executive of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr. Riverson Oppong; Mr. Roland Azuvgu of the 24-Hour Secretariat; Chief Superintendent Benjamin Aniah of the Ghana Police Service; and other key industry stakeholders.
The committee will operate through three subcommittees: Infrastructure and Technology; Regulatory, Policy and Compliance; and Stakeholder Engagement and Public Awareness.
The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth rollout of the 24-hour economy in the downstream sector, aimed at boosting national development and guaranteeing round-the-clock energy access.
