By Daniel Bampoe
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has announced that 268 fuel stations, eight fuel depots and two oil refineries across four major regions of Ghana have been selected for the pilot implementation of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy programme within the downstream petroleum sector.
The pilot phase, which will cover the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western and Northern regions, is expected to mark a major shift in the operations of the petroleum industry by extending fuel distribution and related services beyond the traditional operating hours to support continuous economic activity nationwide.
Speaking at the official launch of the pilot programme, the Chief Executive of the NPA, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, described the initiative as a transformative intervention aimed at boosting productivity, improving fuel accessibility and strengthening operational efficiency within the downstream petroleum industry.
According to him, the phased approach would allow the Authority and stakeholders to test the viability of the programme while ensuring safety and sustainability in its implementation.
“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,” Tameklo stated.
“We are looking at covering 268 fuel stations, eight depots and operating in two oil refineries. This will enable us to test systems, refine operational models and ensure that the transition is sufficient, safe and sustainable.”
Background to the 24-Hour Economy Policy
The 24-hour economy initiative formed a major component of President John Dramani Mahama’s economic transformation agenda during the 2024 election campaign.
The policy seeks to encourage businesses and institutions to operate around the clock through a shift-based system aimed at increasing national productivity, creating jobs and maximizing the use of infrastructure and industrial capacity.
Since assuming office, the Mahama administration has identified strategic sectors, including energy, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, as critical areas for the rollout of the programme.
The downstream petroleum sector has been considered one of the key sectors for the implementation due to its direct role in powering transportation, industries, healthcare facilities, mining operations and other essential services that require uninterrupted fuel supply.
Industry analysts believe the move could significantly improve fuel availability for commercial transport operators, industries and emergency services while also generating additional employment opportunities within the petroleum distribution chain.
Petroleum Sector Positioned
The NPA Chief Executive explained that the petroleum sector’s inclusion in the programme reflects the strategic importance of energy supply in sustaining a modern economy.
He noted that fuel stations operating on a 24-hour basis would improve service delivery, reduce delays in fuel distribution and support businesses that depend heavily on continuous operations.
Tameklo further indicated that the pilot phase would provide an opportunity for regulators and operators to assess operational challenges, security concerns, staffing arrangements and energy demands before a nationwide expansion.
The selected fuel stations and depots are expected to work closely with the NPA, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs), refinery operators and security agencies to ensure smooth implementation.
Safety and Sustainability Remain Central
While highlighting the economic potential of the programme, the NPA boss stressed that safety would remain a top priority throughout the implementation process.
According to him, the Authority will monitor compliance with operational standards and ensure that facilities participating in the programme meet all safety and environmental requirements.
The phased implementation, he explained, is intended to avoid disruptions and ensure that lessons learned during the pilot stage are incorporated into future expansion plans.
“We want to ensure that the transition is not only effective but also safe and sustainable for operators, workers and consumers,” he emphasized.
Initiative Will Unlock Productivity
Presidential Advisor on the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, Goosie Tanoh, who also addressed the gathering, said the petroleum sector pilot programme is expected to unlock productivity and stimulate economic growth across multiple sectors.
He explained that the government’s broader vision is to create an economy that functions continuously to increase output, attract investment and generate employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
According to him, the downstream petroleum industry is strategically positioned to support the success of the policy because of its direct influence on transportation, commerce and industrial production.
Tanoh added that the pilot phase would serve as a blueprint for the implementation of the 24-hour economy programme in other sectors of the economy.
Economic Expectations And Industry Impact
Stakeholders within the petroleum industry have welcomed the initiative, with expectations that extended operational hours could increase fuel accessibility, improve logistics efficiency and boost revenues for operators.
The programme is also expected to create new employment opportunities through shift systems at fuel stations, depots and refineries.
