The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), in collaboration with the 24-Hour Economy Authority and industry players , on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, launched the pilot phase of the 24-Hour Economy Programme in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The launch, which follows the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions in March 2026, was held under the theme: “Powering Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Through an Efficient Petroleum Downstream Sector.”
The pilot programme will be rolled out in phases across four selected regions, Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, and Northern Regions and will cover 268 fuel stations, eight depots, and two refineries.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq), described the pilot phase as the beginning of a transformative journey for the downstream petroleum industry and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.
“This event marks the beginning of a transformative journey, one that seeks to unlock the full potential of how the downstream petroleum industry operates, contributes to national development and serves the people of Ghana, Mr. Tameklo said.
“This programme will be rolled out in phases beginning with selected facilities across four regions of Ghana namely; Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western and Northern regions. We are looking at covering 268 fuel stations, eight depots and operating in two oil refineries, He continued.
“This will enable us to test systems, refine operational models and ensure that the transition is sufficient, safe and sustainable, On behalf of the National Petroleum Authority, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the successful implementation of this pilot programme.”
On his part, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, explained that the first phase of the pilot programme will run for six months and is expected to boost productivity and support increased economic output across the country.
“ The 24-Hour Economy at its heart is a productivity program, we are running the economy on a single shift in a world that runs on 3 shifts and closing that gap is what the 24-hour economy is built to do, to raise output per worker, to lift incomes and to generate the kind of paid productive work that begins to absorb 310,000 young Ghanaians who enter the labour market every year”, Mr Tanoh said.
The Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr. Richard Gyan-Mensah, commended the Chief Executive of the NPA and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat for advancing the government’s vision of implementing a 24-hour economy within the downstream petroleum sector.
“ I want to take this opportunity to commend the Chief Executive of NPA and the 24-hour secretariat, for making sure that what we envisaged has become a reality, Mr Gyan-Mensah said.
“This pilot programme will help us learn and strengthen the framework for wider implementation across the energy sectorand the broader economy.”
He further reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the National Petroleum Authority and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
“As a ministry, I want to reemphasise our commitment to working closely with all our agencies and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation. We know there will be challenges because every major reform comes with operational difficulties, but we are determined to identify those obstacles early and address them decisively.
The NPA Boss supported by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, the Presidential Special Advisor on 24-Hour Economy, and industry leaders cut the ribbon to mark the pilot launch at the JP fuel station at Spintex in Accra.
In his remarks. COP Mohammed Suraj, disclosed that extensive preparations had already been completed following several high-level engagements with stakeholders.
For his part, Chief Executive Officer of Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr. Riverson Oppong, called for effective collaboration from all stakeholders, industry leaders and agencies, to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
“ The launch of the 24-Hour programme is a sign of two things, first collaboration, because for this to work and to get maximum output, we need full collaboration, the next thing is integrity and technological advancement, thank you to the NPA and the 24-hour secretariat for making this work.” Mr.Riverson said.
The Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Mr. Edmond Kombat, who was also present at the launch, expressed his team’s readiness to do their best to support the programme to ensure its success.
“This is perhaps the biggest and most important policy in Ghana’s downstream industry and we at the Tema Oil Refinery, will do our best to make sure that we are significantly part of the story to make sure that we can deliver petroleum products 24/7.”
The launch of the pilot programme marks a major step in positioning Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector as a key driver of the country’s 24-hour economy agenda. It also reflects the commitment of the National Petroleum Authority and its partners to improving efficiency, increasing productivity, and supporting sustainable economic growth through strategic sector reforms.