NPA marks 20 years of regulating Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on Friday marked its 20th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony in Accra, celebrating two decades of regulatory excellence and national impact in Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector.

The event, held on the theme “20 Years of Fueling Ghana’s Progress: The Journey, the Legacy and the Future,” brought together past and present Board Chairmen, Chief Executives, management and staff of the Authority.

Delivering the welcome address, Chief Executive of the NPA, Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., expressed profound appreciation to former President John Agyekum Kufuor, whose vision led to the establishment of the Authority at a time when petroleum regulation existed only as a department under a ministry.

He also recognised early pioneers including Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah and Dr John Attafuah, whose foundational efforts, he said, positioned the Authority for the progress it celebrates today.

Mr Tameklo noted that the anniversary offered not only a moment to acknowledge achievements but also an opportunity for sober reflection on the Authority’s mandate of ensuring efficiency, fairness and strong consumer protection.

“For 20 years, the NPA has remained committed to its vision and mission,” he said, adding that regulatory reforms introduced by the Authority have significantly strengthened Ghana’s downstream petroleum market.

He emphasised that as the global energy landscape transforms, the NPA must continue to champion energy efficiency, support Ghana’s energy transition agenda and deepen innovation in service delivery. He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to work closely with President John Mahama’s government to sustain gains within the sector.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, paid glowing tribute to former Board Chairs and Chief Executives of the Authority for helping maintain Ghana’s standing as a leader in downstream petroleum governance.

He also commended the current CEO, describing him as “a young, smart, dynamic, intelligent leader, navigating the downstream sector with excellence.”

Hon. Jinapor highlighted the success of petroleum price deregulation, which he described as one of the most transparent pricing systems in the country. He noted that the pricing mechanism enables any Ghanaian to calculate fuel price projections using world market prices and exchange rates—two critical variables influencing price adjustments.

The Minister stressed the need for continuous innovation and adaptation, especially with the accelerating global shift toward renewable energy. He revealed that Ghana currently records the highest number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa, with more private-led EV charging stations emerging across the country.

He explained that the fall in solar prices—reduced by about 80 percent in recent years—has driven consumer interest in cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

“NPA is at a crossroads,” he cautioned. “Technology is evolving rapidly, and the Authority must reposition itself to remain relevant.”

Hon. Jinapor announced that government is undertaking major reforms, including the reenactment of a new NPA Act. The updated legislation, he said, will empower the Authority to integrate alternative fuels into the energy mix, enhance transparency, realign taxes and levies, and strengthen consumer protection systems.

He reaffirmed government’s strong support toward improving the NPA’s systems, human capital and operational capacity as the Authority enters the next phase of its journey.