NPA Signs MOU To Advance 24-Hour Economy in Petroleum Downstream Sector

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat to operationalize round-the-clock activities within Ghana's petroleum downstream sector, marking a significant step toward enhancing productivity, efficiency, and national economic growth.

The signing ceremony, held at the Secretariat of the 24-Hour Economy Authority in Accra, brought together key stakeholders from government, regulatory institutions, security agencies, and industry.

The Chief Executive of the NPA, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, signed on behalf of the Authority, while Hon. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, signed on behalf of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat.

In his remarks, Mr. Tameklo described the initiative as a transformative step that will redefine the operations of Ghana's petroleum downstream sector. He emphasized that the transition to a 24-hour operational model will improve fuel availability and accessibility, enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, strengthen energy security, and create significant employment opportunities.

He noted that the pilot phase of the programme will cover selected facilities across the country and will be guided by strict safety, security, and operational protocols, as well as data-driven monitoring systems to inform nationwide implementation.

The event was attended by the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Service, Heads of Regulatory and Security Agencies, and leaders of industry, including representatives from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), who expressed their full support and readiness to participate in the initiative.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to the successful implementation of the programme. He disclosed that the Ministry has directed all agencies under its purview to submit detailed concept notes and blueprints outlining their approach to implementing the 24-hour economy within the energy sector. He commended the NPA for taking a leadership role in advancing the initiative.

On his part, Mr. Tanoh highlighted that stakeholder consultations over the past year identified limited access to fuel and energy services outside regular working hours as a major constraint to economic activity. He explained that under the MoU, the NPA will establish and enforce standards for 24-hour operations across the downstream sector.

He further indicated that operators seeking to extend their working hours will be required to apply to the NPA and meet defined criteria, particularly in the areas of lighting, security, staffing, and safety. Certified operators will receive coordinated support across government institutions, including security and revenue agencies, to ensure seamless operations.

Mr. Tanoh added that the pilot phase will initially cover approximately 10 percent of the downstream sector nationwide, allowing for careful assessment and refinement before a full-scale rollout.

He emphasized that the partnership reflects a strategic alignment between the two institutions, with the NPA contributing its regulatory expertise and in-depth knowledge of the downstream sector, while the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat provides the coordination framework across government and the private sector.

The NPA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the implementation of the programme prioritizes safety, compliance, and sustainability, while unlocking the full economic potential of the petroleum downstream value chain