Head of Puma Energy, Africa pays courtesy visit on NPA Chief Executive

Puma Energy has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its operations in Ghana and strengthening its partnership with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), as the Authority encourages greater private sector investment to bridge critical infrastructure gaps in the country's downstream petroleum industry.

The commitment was made during a courtesy call by the Head of Puma Energy Africa, Ben Ouattara, on the Chief Executive of the NPA, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, in Accra on Friday as part of Mr. Ouattara's working visit to Ghana.

During the meeting, Mr. Ouattara expressed appreciation to the NPA for its continued cooperation and regulatory support, which he said has enabled Puma Energy to operate successfully and expand its footprint in Ghana's downstream petroleum sector.

He reaffirmed the company's commitment to deepening its collaboration with the Authority while contributing to the growth and development of Ghana's energy industry.

Mr. Ouattara disclosed that Puma Energy is broadening its business portfolio by investing in strategic sectors where the company has extensive expertise and can create greater value for national economies.

He also revealed that the company is accelerating its expansion across the African continent, with Ghana serving as the hub for its sub-regional operations.

According to him, the company's long-term strategy is focused on strengthening energy infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and supporting economic development through increased investment.

Responding to the visit, NPA Chief Executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo reiterated the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment that allows businesses to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

He said President John Dramani Mahama's economic vision places the private sector at the centre of Ghana's growth agenda, adding that the NPA is committed to implementing policies that encourage investment and ensure operators in the downstream petroleum sector can operate efficiently and achieve sustainable returns.

Mr. Tameklo noted that Ghana's downstream petroleum industry continues to face significant infrastructure deficits and called on private investors to take advantage of the opportunities available.

"The downstream petroleum industry has substantial infrastructure gaps that present enormous investment opportunities for the private sector," he noted.

The NPA boss described Puma Energy as one of the Authority's key strategic partners, praising the company's contribution to Ghana's petroleum industry over the years.

He particularly commended Puma Energy's strong presence in the aviation turbine kerosene market, describing its operations as well-established and critical to the country's aviation fuel supply chain.

Mr. Tameklo assured the company of the Authority's continued support, stressing that the NPA remains committed to fostering stronger partnerships that will promote investment, enhance infrastructure development and strengthen Ghana's downstream petroleum industry.

The Puma Energy delegation included the General Manager of Puma Energy Ghana, Lanzeni Coulibaly, and the company's Commercial Manager, Daniel Reppah, who joined discussions aimed at exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration with the regulator.