The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is to pilot a 24-hour fuel station operations as part of the government's efforts to boost night-time commerce and create jobs under the 24-hour economy policy, following the formation of a multidisciplinary committee to supervise the exercise. 

The decision was motivated by the need to determine whether Ghana's downstream petroleum sector was prepared for round-the-clock operations.

Preparatory work was led by the acting Chief Executive Officer of the authority, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, who tasked the committee to develop workable models for continuous operations within the sector. 

Mr Tameklo said fuel stations are central to the success of a 24-hour economy because they support transport, logistics, security services and commercial movement beyond standard business hours. He said the process focused on infrastructure readiness, safety systems and regulatory compliance.

He said the committee was gathering operational data to determine how extended fuel station hours could support employment while maintaining regulatory discipline and public safety.

“The downstream petroleum sector has a central role to play in the 24-hour economy, but it must be done with careful planning and respect for safety and regulation, “he said.

Mr Tameklo said that selected fuel stations had been identified for assessment as part of the process to test readiness for night-time operations. 

He said the exercise was intended to inform policy decisions rather than impose immediate changes across the sector.

He said the assessment covered staffing levels, lighting requirements, emergency response systems and compliance monitoring, adding that gradual implementation was necessary to avoid operational risks.

Mr Tameklo said all regulatory requirements, including pricing windows and quality standards, would apply fully to any station operating beyond conventional hours.

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

Infrastructure 

Mr Tameklo said security was a key consideration, with engagements held with the Ghana Police Service and National Security to improve protection for fuel stations operating at night. 

Fuel stations had previously been exposed to robbery and vandalism, particularly after dark.

He said the authority 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. 

He said port efficiency would be critical to uninterrupted downstream supply.

Mr Tameklo said minimum standards for lighting, fire safety equipment, surveillance systems and staff welfare would be enforced before any wider implementation.

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

Mr Tameklo said extended operating hours would create employment opportunities for fuel attendants, security personnel, drivers and maintenance workers. 

He said surrounding businesses could also benefit from increased night-time activity.

He said the committee had consulted oil marketing companies and other industry players to assess staffing costs, insurance implications, and operational challenges linked to round-the-clock operations.

Mr Tameklo said the committee’s findings would guide recommendations to the government on whether the initiative should be scaled up.

Policy alignment

Mr Tameklo said the process was aligned with the reset agenda of President John Dramani Mahama, with the Authority positioned as a key implementing agency within the downstream petroleum sector.

He said consultation, due process and stakeholder engagement guided decision-making, stressing that sustainable reform depended on cooperation across the industry.

Mr Tameklo said the authorities would continue to engage the media and the public as assessments progressed and decisions were taken on the future of 24-hour fuel station operations.

The 24-Hour Economy is a comprehensive strategy for Ghana's economic transformation, aiming to boost productivity, create jobs (targeting 1.7 million) and build a resilient, export-led economy by encouraging round-the-clock operations in key sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing and transport, supported by government incentives such as tax breaks, reliable power and financing, with the private sector leading implementation.