IGP pledges support for 24-Hour operations in the petroleum downstream sector

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has pledged full security support for the rollout of a proposed 24-hour operations system in Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector.

The announcement was made by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, during the official launch of the pilot 24-hour economy programme in the petroleum downstream industry in Accra on Tuesday, May 12.

According to Mr Tameklo, the successful implementation of a 24-hour petroleum distribution system will require strong security coordination, making the support of the Ghana Police Service a critical component of the initiative.

“What it means is you need to firm up your security. IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno has fully pledged his support for the rollout of this initiative,” he stated.

The development follows earlier engagements between the NPA and the 24-Hour Economy Authority, which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 31 to operationalise round-the-clock activities within the downstream petroleum sector.

The initiative forms part of the broader economic transformation agenda being driven by President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at expanding productivity, improving service delivery, and creating sustainable jobs across key sectors of the economy.

Mr Tameklo explained that the downstream petroleum industry remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, as it supports transportation, powers industries, and facilitates commercial activities nationwide.

However, he noted that operations in the sector have traditionally been limited to fixed hours, leading to inefficiencies in supply chains, reduced productivity, and missed economic opportunities.

He added that the 24-hour model is designed to transform the sector by ensuring continuous operations across key infrastructure such as bulk storage depots, gantries, refineries, and fuel retail outlets.

“This vision represents a bold and forward-looking response to long-standing inefficiencies. The goal is to stimulate productivity, enhance service delivery, and create sustainable employment opportunities,” he explained.

Under the new framework, petroleum products will be available and distributed around the clock to improve accessibility and ensure uninterrupted supply across the country.

Authorities say the initiative is expected to deliver several economic benefits, including improved efficiency in fuel distribution, increased employment opportunities, enhanced revenue generation, and stronger economic growth.

Mr Tameklo further emphasised that safety and security will remain central to the rollout process, noting that institutions such as the National Security Secretariat, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Ambulance Service, and the Ghana Police Service will play key roles in safeguarding personnel and infrastructure.

He also acknowledged the importance of private sector stakeholders, including Oil Marketing Companies, Bulk Distribution Companies, depot operators, and transporters, in ensuring the success of the initiative.

According to him, the transformation of the downstream petroleum sector is not merely about extending working hours but about unlocking the full economic potential of the industry.

Stakeholders have been urged to fully commit to the national agenda by investing in infrastructure, adopting new technologies, and collaborating effectively to ensure smooth implementation of the 24-hour economy model.

Analysts say the pilot programme could mark a significant shift in Ghana’s energy distribution system if successfully implemented, particularly in improving efficiency and reducing supply bottlenecks across the fuel value chain.