The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, has undertaken a night-time inspection of selected petroleum depots in Tema to monitor the implementation of the pilot phase of the government’s 24-Hour Economy Programme in the downstream petroleum sector.
The monitoring exercise formed part of efforts to assess the effectiveness of extended operational hours and ensure that participating facilities are fully prepared for the nationwide implementation of the initiative.
Mr Tameklo was accompanied by officials from the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, the Director for the 24-Hour Programme at the Ghana Police Service, ACP Benjamin Ania, the Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Asiedu, the National Security Council Secretariat’s liaison for the programme, Air Commodore Francis Ayamba, directors of the NPA and representatives of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
During the visit, the delegation engaged management and staff of the participating depots to review progress made under the pilot phase and discuss practical measures to enhance implementation.
Management of the depots reported that since the commencement of the pilot programme, productivity had improved significantly through longer operating hours, increased workforce, additional work shifts and higher volumes of petroleum products handled, resulting in increased revenue generation.
The operators, however, appealed for improvements in lighting systems and enhanced security to support safe and efficient round-the-clock operations.
The pilot phase currently covers 247 retail fuel outlets, 11 petroleum depots and two refineries across the country.
According to the NPA, the exercise is intended to test the viability of extended operational hours within the downstream petroleum sector while assessing the readiness of participating facilities in terms of infrastructure, workforce capacity, security and regulatory compliance.
The initiative is also expected to improve the availability and accessibility of petroleum products in selected areas while generating data on employment creation, revenue mobilisation, consumer demand and service delivery to guide the full rollout of the 24-Hour Economy Programme.
Mr Tameklo reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to working closely with industry players and relevant state institutions to address operational challenges and ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
