Energy Ministry agencies submit 24-Hour Economy plans for review

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, has disclosed that all agencies under the ministry have submitted their 24-hour economy implementation plans for review as part of efforts to roll out the initiative in the energy sector.

He said the Ministry is currently reviewing the submitted plans to ensure a smooth and coordinated implementation.

Mr Gyan-Mensah made the announcement during the launch of the pilot phase of 24-hour operations in the petroleum downstream sector in Accra on Tuesday, May 12.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the success of President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy agenda.

“Not too long ago, about a month ago, we signed an MoU between the NPA and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat. At the time, it was a vision, but today it has become a reality. I want to commend the CEO of the NPA, as well as the coordinator of the 24-Hour Economy initiative, for making sure that the aspiration we had has become a reality,” he said.

The Deputy Minister urged other agencies under the Ministry to emulate the example of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), which he praised for going beyond mere submission of plans.

“From the Ministry’s side, we instructed all agencies to submit their 24-hour economy plans, and they have all done so. But I must say the NPA has gone beyond just submission,” he noted.

He added that while the Ministry is reviewing the various proposals, agencies that are well-prepared should take initiative in demonstrating readiness for implementation.

“We are reviewing their documents, but if you are as prepared as the NPA, then step forward and show that the Energy Ministry is ready to champion the President’s 24-hour economy project. We have taken deliberate steps and detailed plans from all agencies to translate this national vision into practical action,” he said.

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, said the rollout of 24-hour operations in the petroleum downstream sector will be implemented in phases.

He explained that the first phase will cover selected facilities across four regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, and Northern Regions.

According to him, the pilot will involve 268 fuel stations, eight depots—including BOST Depot (Kumasi), APD (Tema), TTF (Tema), TFC (Tema), Vana Energy (Tema), Quantum Terminals (Tema), Ghanstock Depot (Takoradi), and Zen Terminals (Takoradi)—as well as two refineries: the Tema Oil Refinery and Sentuo Oil Refinery.

He noted that the phased approach will allow authorities to test systems, refine operational models, and ensure efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Mr Tameklo further stressed that safety and security remain central to the initiative, with collaboration expected from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and National Security to protect all participating facilities.

He also revealed that Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has pledged support for the rollout, emphasizing the need for strong security arrangements due to the nature of the operations.

“The IGP has fully pledged his support for the rollout of this initiative,” he said.