The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on Friday marked its 20th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony in Accra. It was a celebration of two decades of regulatory excellence and national impact in the petroleum downstream sector. The event brought together past and present Board Chairmen, Chief Executives, management and staff of the AuthorityIt is held under the theme: “20 Years of Fueling Ghana’s Progress: The Journey, the Legacy and the Future.”
In his welcome address, the Chief Executive of NPA, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., expressed profound appreciation to former President HJohn Agyekum Kufuor for envisioning the establishment of the Authority at a time when petroleum regulation operated merely as a department under a ministry.
He also acknowledged pioneer leaders such as Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah and American. Joh. Attafuah, whose early efforts laid the foundation for the Authority’s current successes.
Mr. Tameklo noted that the anniversary was not only a celebration of past achievements, but also a moment for sober reflection on the Authority’s journey of ensuring efficiency, fairness and consumer protection. He highlighted that for 20 years, the NPA has remained committed to its vision and mission, delivering regulatory reforms that have strengthened Ghana’s downstream petroleum market.
He emphasized that as the global energy environment evolves, the Authority must continue to promote energy efficiency, support national energy transition goals, and renew its commitment to innovation and service delivery. He reaffirmed the NPA’s readiness to work closely with President John Mahama’s government in sustaining gains within the sector.
In a keynote speech, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, paid glowing tribute to the past CEOs and Board Chairs of the Authority for sustaining Ghana’s reputation as a leader in downstream petroleum management. He described the current CEO as “a young, smart, dynamic, intelligent leader, navigating the downstream sector with excellence.”
Hon. Jinapor highlighted the success of petroleum price deregulation, describing it as one of the most transparent systems in the country.
He emphasized that the pricing mechanism allows any Ghanaian to calculate projections using world market prices and exchange rates, two critical variables that drive adjustments.
He stressed the need for continuous innovation and adaptation, especially as the global shift toward renewable energy accelerates.
He cited the rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ghana, noting that “Ghana currently has the highest number of EVs in Africa,” with more private-led EV charging stations emerging across the country. Mr. Jinapor explained that falling solar prices, reduced by 80% in recent years, have influenced consumers to transition towards cleaner and more affordable 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 reenacting a new NPA Act to empower the Authority to integrate alternative fuels, enhance transparency, realign taxes and levies, and ensure stronger consumer protection.
He reaffirmed government’s unwavering support toward strengthening the Authority’s systems, human capital, and operational capacity.
