The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is set to pilot 24-hour operations at selected fuel stations as part of the government’s broader 24-Hour Economy policy aimed at boosting night-time commerce and creating jobs.

The initiative follows the establishment of a multidisciplinary committee tasked with assessing the readiness of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector for round-the-clock operations and supervising the pilot phase.

The preparatory work is being led by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, who has directed the committee to develop practical and safe operational models for continuous service within the sector.

As part of the preparations, the Authority has begun engagements with the Ghana Police Service and National Security to address security gaps at fuel stations, particularly during night-time operations.

Mr Tameklo said fuel stations would be critical to the success of a 24-hour economy, as they support transportation, logistics, security services and commercial activities beyond normal business hours. He explained that the assessment focuses on infrastructure readiness, safety systems and regulatory compliance.

According to him, the committee is gathering operational data to determine how extended operating hours can support job creation while maintaining public safety and regulatory discipline.

“The downstream petroleum sector has a central role to play in the 24-hour economy, but it must be approached with careful planning and strict adherence to safety and regulation,” Mr Tameklo said.

He disclosed that selected fuel stations have been identified for assessment as part of the pilot, stressing that the exercise is intended to inform policy decisions rather than impose immediate changes across the industry.

Mr Tameklo said the assessment covers staffing levels, lighting requirements, emergency response systems and compliance monitoring, noting that a phased implementation would be necessary to minimise operational risks.

He assured that all regulatory requirements, including pricing windows and fuel quality standards, would fully apply to stations operating beyond conventional hours.

“We are testing what works, identifying gaps and ensuring that productivity does not come at the expense of public safety,” he said.

Security and infrastructure

Mr Tameklo emphasised that security remains a key consideration, with ongoing engagements with the Ghana Police Service and National Security to improve protection for fuel stations operating at night, particularly against robbery and vandalism.

He also said the NPA has engaged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to assess the readiness of oil jetties to support increased fuel movement under a potential 24-hour operating model, noting that port efficiency would be crucial to uninterrupted downstream supply.

According to him, minimum standards for lighting, fire safety equipment, surveillance systems and staff welfare would be strictly enforced before any broader rollout.

“Our responsibility is to align national economic policy with strong regulatory systems that protect consumers, workers and the industry,” Mr Tameklo said.

He added that extended operating hours would create employment opportunities for fuel attendants, security personnel, drivers and maintenance workers, while nearby businesses could also benefit from increased night-time economic activity.

Mr Tameklo said consultations have been held with oil marketing companies and other industry stakeholders to assess staffing costs, insurance implications and operational challenges associated with round-the-clock operations.

He said the committee’s findings would inform recommendations to the government on whether the initiative should be scaled up nationwide.

Policy alignment

Mr Tameklo noted that the pilot aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda, with the NPA positioned as a key implementing agency within the downstream petroleum sector.

He stressed that consultation, due process and stakeholder engagement would continue to guide decision-making, adding that sustainable reform depends on industry-wide cooperation.

He assured that the Authority would keep the media and the public informed as assessments progress and decisions are made regarding the future of 24-hour fuel station operations.

The 24-Hour Economy policy is a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming Ghana’s economy by boosting productivity, creating up to 1.7 million jobs and building a resilient, export-led economy through round-the-clock operations in key sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing and transport.