Speech By The Chief Executive Of The National Petroleum Authority (Npa)

Speech By The Chief Executive Of The National Petroleum Authority (Npa) At The Signing Ceremony Of The Memorandum Of Understanding (Mou) Between The 24-Hour Economy Authority And The National Petroleum Authority

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Mr. Chairman;
MENTION NAME OF THE GUEST OF HONOUR
Honourable Minister of Energy and Green Transition;
Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy
Distinguished representatives from the 24-Hour Economy Authority;
Heads of regulatory and security agencies;
Development partners;
Captains of industry;
The media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I bring you warm greetings from the Board and Management of the National Petroleum Authority. It is with great honour and a deep sense of purpose that I participate in this significant milestone - the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Petroleum Authority and the 24-Hour Economy Authority. It marks the beginning of a transformative journey, that redefines how our downstream petroleum industry operates, contributes to national development, creates jobs and serves the people of Ghana.

2. Ladies and gentlemen, the downstream petroleum sector remains a cornerstone of our economy. It fuels transportation, powers industries, supports commerce, and underpins nearly every aspect of modern life.
However, for many years, operations within this critical sector have largely been limited to specific working hours. This has resulted in inefficiencies in the supply chain missed economic opportunities. 
3. The vision that we are implementing today represents a bold and forward-looking response by H.E John Dramani Mahama to these challenges. The goal is to stimulate productivity, enhance service delivery, and create sustainable employment opportunities.

4. Within the petroleum downstream sector, this vision translates into continuous, round-the-clock operations across key installations, bulk storage depots, refineries’ gantries, and retail outlets, ensuring that petroleum products are available, accessible, and efficiently distributed at all times.

5. Adopting a 24-hour petroleum economy in the downstream petroleum sector will:

- Improve the availability and accessibility of petroleum products nationwide
- Enhance efficiency and reliability in the supply and distribution chain
- Create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, and
- Boost government revenue and stimulate economic growth

6. This initiative, therefore, is not merely about extending operating hours; It is about unlocking the full economic potential of the downstream petroleum value chain. 

7. Let me emphasize that as we transition to 24-hour operations, safety and security will remain non-negotiable. The National Security Secretariat, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Ambulance Service, will play a critical role in providing the needed security and emergency services to ensure the security and safety of the workers and infrastructure.

8. We recognize the indispensable role of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ports and Harbours Authority, private sector, particularly Oil Marketing Companies, Bulk Distribution Companies, depot operators, and transporters whose investments and operational readiness are central to this transformation.

9. As we sign this MoU today, I call on all stakeholders to fully commit to this national agenda. Let us embrace the innovation. Let us invest in infrastructure and technology. And let us work together to ensure the success of this transformative initiative.

10. In conclusion, distinguished guests, today is a defining moment for Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector. We are laying the foundation for a future where our industry operates with greater efficiency, resilience, and inclusivity: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

11. On behalf of the National Petroleum Authority, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the successful implementation of this programme. Together, let us fuel Ghana’s progress, day and night.

Long live the 24-Hour Economy Programme.
Long live the National Petroleum Authority and Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector.
Long live our beloved country, Ghana.