Parliamentary Committee on Energy commends NPA for its openness

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has commended the downstream petroleum regulatory, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), for its openness in engaging with the committee.
He noted that such engagements are essential in strengthening oversight and ensuring that institutions remain responsive to the needs of the country.
He again lauded the NPA for its continued support to Parliament.
Mr Bedzrah made remarks when he led members of the Energy Committee for a monitoring visit to the Authority in Accra on Wednesday.
The visit aligned with the committee’s constitutional mandate inquire into the activities of the NPA related to processes, regulatory management, quality and price enforcement, industry health and safety measures as well as consumer protection.
In his welcome address, the NPA Chief Executive, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., spoke with clarity about the reach of the downstream petroleum sector, noting that it is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
“Everything in our daily lives is connected to the petroleum downstream,” he said. “Parliament, through the NPA Act of 2005, entrusted us with the sole responsibility of regulating this space. Your visit here today reflects the importance of that responsibility and the need for continued oversight.”
The NPA Boss explained that the Authority’s engagement with Parliament has been consistent and constructive, particularly in matters relating to the approval of budgets and the shaping of regulatory policy.
Looking ahead, he noted that a new legislative framework is under consideration, one that will respond to the pace of change within the industry and better position the Authority to support growth, innovation and efficiency.
Mr Tameklo went on to outline the scope of the Authority’s mandate, which extends across the entire downstream value chain. From the importation of petroleum products to their distribution and retail, the NPA is tasked with ensuring that all actors operate within a clearly defined regulatory framework. This includes licensing activities such as bunkering, refinery establishment and the construction and operation of filling stations.
He stressed that compliance remains non-negotiable, stating that “Operating without a licence is a clear violation of the law, and the Authority is committed to enforcing regulations with consistency, integrity, and fairness.
He added that a key focus of its work is consumer protection and fuel quality assurance, primarily through the Fuel Marking Scheme, which helps detect and prevent fuel adulteration across the supply chain. This is supported by regular and surprise inspections of filling stations, along with continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with established standards.
On pricing, the Uniform Petroleum Pricing Policy ensures that the higher cost of transporting fuel to northern regions is absorbed within a single national pricing structure. This prevents regional price disparities and guarantees equitable access to fuel for all consumers.
The visit was further enriched by a series of detailed presentations from the Authority’s directors, each offering a window into the systems and processes that underpin the regulation of the downstream sector.