NPA Marks 20 Years, Calls for Innovation, Strategic Reforms in Ghana’s Energy Sector

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has launched its 20th anniversary celebration in Accra, emphasising the need for innovation and strategic repositioning to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

The event, which highlighted the Authority’s transformation and future prospects, brought together industry leaders, former chief executives, policymakers, and stakeholders who have shaped Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector over the past two decades.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, reflected on the historic reforms that have defined the country’s energy journey, describing deregulation as one of the most transformational policies in the sector. He recalled that under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the government took the bold step to deregulate petroleum pricing, ending years of reliance on budget announcements.

While persistent challenges such as exchange rate losses initially made partial deregulation unsustainable, full deregulation was later introduced, allowing market forces to determine fuel prices on a bi-weekly basis. “Many were apprehensive, fearing price escalation and unrest, but looking back, it was a sound decision that has strengthened transparency and stability,” Mr. Jinapor said.

He stressed the importance of similar transparency in electricity pricing, noting that clear, formula-based approaches help build public confidence. The Minister commended past and present NPA leadership, saying Ghana’s downstream model has become a reference point for other countries.

Touching on the energy transition, Mr. Jinapor highlighted the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), declining solar costs, and the growth of private-led charging infrastructure as indicators of shifting consumer behaviour, noting that Ghana currently has the highest number of EVs in Africa. He urged the NPA to remain adaptive, warning that organisations that fail to innovate risk obsolescence.

He also announced ongoing comprehensive reforms, including a new NPA Act, aimed at integrating cleaner fuels, strengthening market transparency, and reinforcing consumer protection. “Our objective is to position the NPA as a regulator for the future—innovative, digitally enabled, and aligned with national development goals,” he affirmed.

The Chief Executive of the NPA, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, paid tribute to past leadership and staff, noting that the Authority’s 20-year legacy has ensured stability, fair competition, enhanced safety standards, and investor confidence.

Looking ahead, Mr. Tameklo said the NPA will focus on cleaner fuels, renewable alternatives, and improved energy efficiency in line with the government’s green transition agenda. He also acknowledged the contributions of industry unions, tanker owners, drivers, and pioneer staff whose dedication has sustained the downstream sector.

Describing the milestone as “20 years of fuelling the country’s progress,” Mr. Tameklo called for renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability as Ghana’s energy sector prepares for its next phase of development.

By Cecilia Yada Lagba

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