Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has called on fuel retail outlet operators and tanker drivers to strictly adhere to industry regulations, cautioning that individuals involved in illegal petroleum activities risk sanctions and prosecution.
The Authority warned that practices such as purchasing fuel from unlicensed suppliers, operating without the necessary approvals, and engaging in fuel siphoning undermine product quality and threaten the credibility of the downstream petroleum industry.
Addressing participants at the second edition of the NPA Regional Downstream Compliance Workshop, held in the Central and Western regions from June 30 to July 2, NPA Director of Business Development, Godwin Yaw Konu, stressed that regulatory compliance remains essential to safeguarding standards across the sector.
The workshop, organised by the NPA’s Business Development Directorate, brought together petroleum marketers and bulk road vehicle drivers to discuss regulatory obligations, operational challenges, and practical measures to strengthen compliance throughout the petroleum supply chain.
Mr. Konu noted that the downstream petroleum sector plays a vital role in Ghana’s economy and emphasized that sustained engagement with industry players is necessary to improve compliance and uphold best practices.
He also advised fuel station operators to routinely inspect water levels in underground storage tanks, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent contaminated fuel from being sold to consumers.
Also speaking at the event, NPA Head of Security and Intelligence, Isaac Djagbetey, urged petroleum service providers to procure fuel only from licensed depots and warned against supplying petroleum products to illegal mining operations, commonly known as galamsey.
Senior Manager at the NPA’s Inspections, Monitoring and HSSE Directorate, Richard Apaloo, encouraged dealers to keep all regulatory licences and permits readily available for inspection.
Meanwhile, Head of Claims at the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF), Nana Afua Nuamah Bosumtwi, advised tanker drivers not to interfere with vehicle tracking systems and urged them to submit transport documentation promptly to facilitate claims processing.
NPA Quality Assurance Directorate official, Adams Baba Adams, also reminded dealers to maintain fuel quality standards to safeguard consumers and protect vehicle engines from damage.
The Authority further encouraged consumers to report suspected cases of fuel under-delivery or poor product quality within 48 hours to support timely investigations.
The programme also featured fire safety demonstrations by the Ghana National Fire Service and road safety sessions by the National Road Safety Authority, where tanker drivers were encouraged to adopt defensive driving practices and comply with road safety regulations.