The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., on Thursday, July 16, 2026, led a high-level dialogue on the future of Ghana’s energy sector as the 7th Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GHIPCON 2026) opened at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra with an unprecedented attendance of policymakers, regulators, investors, development partners and key industry players from across the globe.
In his welcome address, Mr. Tameklo described GHIPCON as more than just an industry gathering, saying it is a strategic platform for shaping policies, fostering innovation and attracting investment needed to build a resilient, efficient and sustainable downstream petroleum industry.
Against the backdrop of global geopolitical tensions, climate change concerns and evolving energy markets, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration among governments, regulators and private sector actors to safeguard energy security while promoting economic growth and sustainability.
Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to providing a transparent, efficient and technology-driven regulatory environment that promotes healthy competition, protects consumers and inspires investor confidence. He noted that the Authority remains focused on ensuring fuel quality, supply reliability and regulatory excellence while positioning Ghana as a competitive petroleum hub within the West African sub-region.
The Special Guest of Honour, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, used the occasion to reaffirm government’s unwavering commitment to expanding Ghana’s petroleum sector through increased exploration and production.
He disclosed that government is pursuing an aggressive strategy to increase crude oil and natural gas production through new discoveries while simultaneously strengthening domestic refining capacity. According to the Minister, both the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Sentuo Oil Refinery have each committed to refining up to one million barrels of Ghana’s crude oil, a move expected to enhance value addition, increase gas supply, reduce imports of refined petroleum products and improve national energy security.
The conference also featured strong calls from industry leaders for reforms that will strengthen Ghana’s investment climate. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori, underscored the importance of policy consistency, transparency and predictability, arguing that investor confidence depends on a stable regulatory environment capable of supporting long-term investments.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr. Riverson Oppong, advocated sustained investment in modern petroleum storage infrastructure, digital systems, local refinery capacity and road networks linking ports, depots and markets. According to him, strengthening these critical areas will improve operational efficiency, enhance supply chain resilience and support Ghana’s ambition of becoming a regional petroleum hub.
Jointly organized by the National Petroleum Authority, the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, GHIPCON 2026 continues over the next two days with technical sessions, policy discussions and business engagements focused on the future of Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.
The conference will climax with the Downstream Awards and Gala Night, where outstanding institutions and individuals will be recognized for their contributions to innovation, regulatory compliance and excellence in Ghana’s petroleum sector.
