The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., has inspected the implementation of the pilot phase of the 24-hour economy programme in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
Mr Tameklo, together with officials from the 24 Hour Authority, Ghana Police Service, National Security Council Secretariat, Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and directors of the NPA, visited selected petroleum depots in Tema to assess progress and challenges facing operators.
The team engaged management and staff of the facilities on ways to strengthen the programme and ensure its full implementation.
Operators of the depots reported increased productivity since the pilot commenced, citing longer operating hours, expanded workforce, introduction of shift systems, increased volumes of petroleum products handled and improved revenue generation.
However, the operators highlighted the need for improved lighting systems and enhanced security measures to support sustained operations under the extended working hours.
The pilot phase of the downstream petroleum sector component of the 24-hour economy programme covers 247 retail outlets, 11 depots and two refineries.
The initiative seeks to test the feasibility of extended operational hours within the sector while assessing the readiness of facilities in areas including infrastructure, workforce capacity, security and regulatory compliance.
It is also expected to improve the availability and accessibility of petroleum products in selected locations while generating data on employment, revenue growth, demand patterns and service delivery.
Mr Tameklo said the 24-hour economy programme remains a long-term national policy that will continue to improve through stakeholder engagement and continuous review.
“The downstream petroleum sector has demonstrated that the 24-hour economy is practical and achievable. The increased throughput, expanded workforce, additional shift systems and improved productivity we have witnessed are clear indications that the initiative is already delivering tangible benefits for businesses and the national economy,” he said.
The NPA CEO was accompanied by the Lead for Energy at the 24 Hour Authority, Roland Azuguvu; Director for the 24 Hour Programme at the Ghana Police Service, ACP Benjamin Ania; Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Asiedu; and Air Commodore Francis Ayamba, liaison for the 24 Hour Programme at the National Security Council Secretariat.
The depots visited included the Petroleum Hub, Tema Fuel Company Limited (TFCL), VANA Energy and Quantum Oil and Gas Terminals.
