The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has issued a stern warning to fuel stations operating without legal licenses, threatening immediate closure and potential decommissioning.
In a statement released today, the NPA emphasized its mandate under the National Petroleum Authority Act, 2005 (Act 691), as amended, to regulate all commercial activities in the downstream petroleum industry, including storage, distribution, and sale of petroleum products.
The NPA’s crackdown aims to curb illicit operations and ensure compliance in Ghana’s petroleum sector amid rising energy demand. Section 11 of Act 691 prohibits engaging in downstream activities—such as importation, exportation, refining, storage, marketing, and sale of crude oil, gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, and kerosene—without an NPA-issued license.
The authority stressed that only Ghanaians or foreign companies in registered joint ventures with Ghanaian partners meeting local content requirements are eligible for licenses.
Under Section 12 of the Act, licensed operators must prominently display their permits at their business premises. The NPA underscored that enforcement is critical for ensuring safety, protecting consumers, and maintaining confidence in Ghana’s regulated petroleum supply chain, particularly as the market expands.
