Ghana has reaffirmed its ambition to develop a resilient, innovative and investment-driven downstream petroleum industry as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and position the country as a regional petroleum hub.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GhIPCon 2026) in Accra, the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, said the downstream sector must move beyond responding to global disruptions and build the capacity needed for sustainable long-term growth.
Addressing policymakers, regulators, investors, development partners and industry stakeholders from more than 25 countries, Mr. Tamakloe said the theme for this year’s conference, “Building a Resilient Downstream: Policy, Innovation and Investment for Growth,” was timely, given the impact of geopolitical tensions, supply chain challenges, technological changes and the global shift towards cleaner energy.
He said recent global uncertainties had highlighted the need for innovative strategies to attract investment and create stronger safeguards within Ghana’s fuel supply chain.
According to Mr. Tamakloe, Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector has demonstrated resilience by maintaining fuel availability despite recent international market pressures. He attributed this achievement partly to government interventions, including adjustments to certain petroleum product margins, which helped limit significant increases in fuel prices and support economic stability.
The NPA Chief Executive stressed that building a resilient downstream industry goes beyond ensuring fuel supply. He said it requires improved infrastructure, stronger operational systems, enhanced energy security and institutions capable of responding effectively to changing market conditions.
He identified innovation and technology adoption as key drivers of the sector’s future, urging increased investment in digital transformation, data-driven regulation, automation, smart logistics, cleaner fuel solutions and improved customer service systems.
Mr. Tamakloe also highlighted investment as a critical requirement for expanding infrastructure, modernising operations and improving competitiveness.
“Without sustained public and private investment, it will be difficult to build the infrastructure, technology and human capital necessary to support Ghana’s long-term energy aspirations,” he said.
He noted that the downstream petroleum industry contributes approximately 10% to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring its importance to national economic development.
The NPA Chief Executive reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and predictable regulatory framework that protects consumers while encouraging investment, promoting fair competition, ensuring product quality and supporting sustainable industry growth.
He added that regulation should serve not only as a means of enforcing compliance but also as a tool for building investor confidence, encouraging innovation and facilitating responsible participation in the sector.
Mr. Tamakloe said the NPA continues to introduce technology-based solutions and regulatory initiatives aimed at improving oversight of petroleum service providers, strengthening compliance, ensuring reliable fuel supply and attracting investment.
He encouraged industry players to focus on operational excellence, safety, research and development, workforce development and digitalisation to remain competitive in the evolving global energy landscape.
He said GhIPCon 2026 provides an important platform for stakeholders to deliberate on key issues affecting the downstream sector, including regulatory reforms, infrastructure expansion, energy security, financing, local content development, regional trade, sustainability and technological advancement.
Mr. Tamakloe expressed confidence that discussions from the conference would produce practical recommendations to strengthen the petroleum value chain, from refining and importation to storage, transportation, distribution and marketing.
Highlighting opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he said Ghana has the potential to become a major centre for petroleum trading, storage, transportation and distribution in the region.
He, however, noted that achieving this vision would require deeper regional cooperation, harmonised standards, modern infrastructure and the development of skilled professionals to support Africa’s energy future.
“Our greatest resource is not only the petroleum products we regulate but the human capital that drives the industry,” Mr. Tamakloe said, emphasising the need to equip young professionals with the skills and innovative mindset required to lead the sector.
He urged participants to ensure that the outcomes of the conference translate into practical policies, partnerships and actions that will strengthen the downstream industry.
Mr. Tamakloe said Ghana’s future petroleum sector would depend on the quality of policies developed, innovations adopted, investments attracted and partnerships created.
The three-day GhIPCon 2026 will conclude with the Downstream Awards and Gala Night, which will recognise industry players for excellence in innovation, compliance, safety, operational efficiency and contributions towards strengthening Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.