The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), has affirmed the Authority’s commitment to implementing health and safety measures to prevent accidents in fuel handling in the country.
He said over the past decade, particularly since the tragic June 3, 2015 incident, the NPA has fortified Ghana’s safety architecture by revising infrastructure siting guidelines, establishing a multi-stakeholder committee, and enforcing minimum safety standards at every petroleum installation.
Besides, he said, technological tools like Automatic Tank Gauging Systems, Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems, and Integrated Enterprise Relational Data Management System (ERDMS) have become indispensable in reducing risk, preventing product diversion, and ensuring system integrity.
Mr. Tameklo was delivering a speech as a guest of honour at the opening of the 2025 Safety Week celebration organized by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Accra on Wednesday.
Held under the theme: “Championing Safety, Elevating Operational Excellence,” the celebration, now in its seventh edition, was attended by oil marketing companies, regulatory bodies, and safety practitioners.
The NPA Boss said true to the NPA’s 2025–2028 strategic vision, the Authority is closing infrastructure gaps and securing full International Organization for Standardization (ISO) compliance in quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety standards.
“We are reforming inspection frameworks to embed safety at every touchpoint of operations. The regulator’s aim is simple; zero incidents and trust in the integrity of every litre of product supplied”, he said.
The NPA Boss cautioned the public against engaging in risky practices, such as siphoning fuel from accident tankers, which could ignite a fire and result in injuries or fatalities. Instead, he suggested that people should report such incidents to the fire service so that proper safety measures can be taken to evacuate the fuel and prevent explosions.
Mr. Tameklo emphasized that fuel products are highly flammable, so people must exercise caution to avoid exposing themselves to danger.
“If you spot a tanker, do not rush to collect the fuel. There is a risk of explosion. Your safety is more important. Allow the fire service to implement the necessary safety measures. I urge everyone to observe safety practices when dealing with hazardous materials,” he emphasized”.
Mr. Tameklo highlighted the recent development concerning the GHS 1-per-litre Energy Sector Recovery Levy, which was approved by Parliament on June 3, 2025, but was deferred to June 16 after discussions with industry stakeholders.
He said the levy is projected to generate approximately GHS 5.7 billion annually.
“While it introduces a modest increase at the pump, it strengthens energy sector liquidity, enabling stable power supply and petroleum services—benefits that extend to households, businesses, and the broader economy. This levy marks a strategic investment in our sector’s resilience and in sustaining affordability among Ghanaians”, he said.
The NPA Boss said the Authority was working closely with COMAC, COPEC, and other regulators to ensure the funds contribute meaningfully to sector stability without undermining affordability or trust.
He appealed to petroleum service providers to see this as a collaborative effort and kindly support this government initiative.