Accra: The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is calling for greater resilience in Ghana's downstream petroleum sector through strategic policies, innovation, and increased investment to help the industry withstand global energy shocks. The Chief Executive of the NPA, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, stated that recent geopolitical tensions have exposed vulnerabilities in global fuel supply chains, necessitating sustainable measures to secure energy supplies.
According to Ghana Web, Mr. Tamakloe spoke at the 7th Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GhIPCon 2026) in Accra, emphasizing Ghana's preparedness during recent global uncertainties due to deliberate interventions and coordinated efforts to maintain fuel availability. He highlighted the government's temporary removal of some margins on petrol and diesel, which helped cushion consumers from sharp fuel price increases and reduced economic pressure.
Mr. Tamakloe stressed the need for robust fuel supply systems, improved infrastructure, operational efficiency, and responsive institutions to build a resilient downstream sector. He emphasized continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, human capital, and systems for effective response to changing global dynamics. Digital transformation, automation, smart logistics, and cleaner fuel technologies were also highlighted as key to enhancing the petroleum industry's efficiency and competitiveness.
He further noted that investment is crucial for expanding storage and transportation infrastructure and developing skills to support Ghana's long-term energy goals. The downstream petroleum sector, contributing about 10 per cent to Ghana's GDP, requires a regulatory environment that protects consumers while instilling investor confidence.
The NPA sees opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Ghana to become a regional hub for petroleum trading, storage, transportation, and distribution. The seventh edition of GhIPCon gathered policymakers, regulators, investors, and industry players from over 25 countries to discuss Africa's downstream petroleum sector's future and transformation.
The conference addressed energy security, petroleum supply resilience, investment opportunities, regulatory reforms, technology, innovation, sustainability, and the transformation of Africa's downstream petroleum industry. Discussions focused on responding to global energy disruptions, leveraging emerging technologies, promoting cleaner fuel solutions, and building efficient, resilient downstream sectors.
At the conference, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Jinapor, announced that refining one million barrels of crude oil from the Jubilee Field by the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) would ensure adequate domestic fuel supply amidst ongoing global geopolitical tensions. The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) Chief Executive, Dr. Riverson Oppong, also advocated for increased investment, innovation, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to develop a resilient downstream petroleum sector.
GhIPCon 2026 provided a platform for stakeholders from over 25 countries to exchange ideas and explore strategies to strengthen the petroleum value chain, improve fuel supply systems, attract investment, and position Ghana as a competitive petroleum hub in the sub-region.