Ghana Launches 24-Hour Economy Pilot in Petroleum Sector

The National Petroleum Authority in partnership with the 24-Hour Economy Authority and key industry stakeholders has officially launched the pilot phase of the government’s ambitious 24-Hour Economy Programme within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

The launch event, held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, marks a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to transform productivity, create jobs and expand economic activities beyond traditional working hours. The initiative follows the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions in March 2026.

Held under the theme, “Powering Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Through an Efficient Petroleum Downstream Sector,” the programme seeks to ensure uninterrupted petroleum services while improving operational efficiency and supporting economic growth nationwide.

The pilot phase will initially be implemented across four regions — Greater Accra Region, Ashanti Region, Western Region and Northern Region. The rollout will involve 268 fuel stations, eight petroleum depots and two oil refineries operating under an extended 24-hour framework.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, described the initiative as the beginning of a transformative era for Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.

According to him, the programme is designed to unlock the full potential of the petroleum sector by improving operational efficiency, increasing accessibility and contributing significantly to national development.

“This event marks the beginning of a transformative journey, one that seeks to unlock the full potential of how the downstream petroleum industry operates, contributes to national development and serves the people of Ghana,” Mr. Tameklo stated.

He explained that the phased implementation strategy would allow authorities to evaluate systems, improve operational models and ensure the programme remains safe, efficient and sustainable before nationwide expansion.

Also addressing participants at the ceremony, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, said the first phase of the programme would run for six months and focus heavily on boosting productivity and employment opportunities.

Mr. Tanoh noted that Ghana currently operates largely on a single-shift economy despite increasing global competitiveness driven by round-the-clock production systems. He explained that the 24-hour economy initiative aims to close that gap by increasing output, raising incomes and creating more sustainable employment opportunities, especially for young people entering the labour market annually.

“The 24-Hour Economy at its heart is a productivity programme. We are running the economy on a single shift in a world that runs on three shifts, and closing that gap is what the programme is built to do,” he explained.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, commended the NPA and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat for turning the government’s vision into reality.

He emphasized that the pilot programme would provide critical lessons needed to strengthen policies and frameworks for a broader rollout across Ghana’s energy sector and the wider economy.

Mr. Gyan-Mensah further assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with agencies and industry players to address operational challenges and ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.

The official launch was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the JP Fuel Station in Accra. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, security representatives and leaders within Ghana’s petroleum industry.

Among those present was Mohammed Suraj, who revealed that extensive preparations and stakeholder engagements had already been undertaken ahead of the pilot rollout.

Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, Riverson Oppong, stressed the importance of collaboration, integrity and technological advancement in ensuring the programme’s long-term success.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery, Edmond Kombat, reaffirmed the refinery’s readiness to support the initiative through uninterrupted fuel production and supply.

He described the 24-hour economy initiative as one of the most significant policy reforms within Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry in recent years.

The launch of the pilot programme is expected to position Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector as a major driver of the country’s broader economic transformation agenda while enhancing productivity, improving service delivery and supporting sustainable national growth.