By Maxwell Woyram Tsigbe
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has launched the pilot phase of the 24-Hour Economy programme to kickstart the initiative in the downstream petroleum sector.
The programme which is targeted at 268 fuel stations, 8 depots, and 2 refineries will set into full force operational expansion aimed at transitioning the energy sector into a round-the-clock service delivery cycle.
Beginning from the Greater Accra region, the rollout also extends to the Ashanti, Western and Northern regions to ensure uninterrupted nationwide distribution and easy access to petroleum products.
The 8 depots include BOST Depot in Kumasi; APD in Tema; Tema Tank Farm (TTF); Tema Fuel Company (TFC); Vana Energy, Tema; Quantum Terminals, Tema; Ghanstock Depot, Takoradi, as well as Zen Terminals in Takoradi. The initiative will also feature two refineries, namely Tema Oil Refinery and SentuoOil Refinery.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, said the move is to ensure the industry’s infrastructure can handle the new tempo while enhancing the efficiency of fuel distribution and safer transition.
“This programme envisions continuous operations across key installations, including bulk storage depots, refineries gantries, LPG stations, and retail outlets, ensuring that petroleum products are always available and accessible to Ghanaians,” Mr. Tameklo said.
“This phased approach will enable us to test systems, refine operational models, and ensure that the transition is efficient, safe, and sustainable,” he added.
The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, also underscored the macroeconomic benefits of the initiative in the downstream petroleum sector. According to him, the initiative will boost national economy as it extends economic activities beyond traditional working hours.
“By November, fuel stock-outs and queues on the Accra-Kumasi and Accra-Tamale corridors at night and early morning will be lower than they are today. Depot to forecourt transit times will be shorter. Every part spacing site will be running clean, safe, properly staffed night operations and there will be jobs,” Mr. Tanoh said.
The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Petroleum Authority and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat about a month ago to prepare the grounds for the full rollout of the government’s ambitious productivity drive.