News Guide Africa

Tag: 24-hour economy

  • Ghana’s downstream oil industry targets regional power

    Ghana’s downstream oil industry targets regional power

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry is facing a critical turning point as surging domestic demand and expanding regional exports clash with persistent domestic refining deficits and tight profit margins.

    With national consumption climbing to 7.45 billion liters, industry leaders and regulators are pushing for comprehensive structural investments, technological upgrades, and regional trade strategies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Data highlights a clear divide within the market: while overall petroleum product supply and demand surged by 15 percent to hit 8.7 billion liters, local refinery production dipped by over 11 percent, meeting barely 13 percent of national demand. This structural imbalance leaves local supply chains heavily exposed to international price swings.

     

    Downstream Industry Metric Performance Level Strategic Impact

    Total Domestic Consumption 7.45 Billion Liters (+15.3%) Spurred by transport, mining, and thermal power demand.

    Regional Product Exports ~1.0 Billion Liters (+25.0%) Positions Ghana as a distribution hub for Sahelian neighbors.

    Domestic Refinery Output ~500 Million Liters (-11.3%) Heightens vulnerability to international import price shocks.

    GDP Contribution ~10.0% of National Output Underlines the sector’s centrality to broader macroeconomic health.

     

    Stakeholder Perspectives on Infrastructure, Pricing, and Growth

    The gap between domestic refining output and surging fuel usage has prompted calls for structural reform across the distribution chain:

    “The downstream sector recorded a 15 percent increase in product supply and demand… However, domestic production from refineries was half a billion liters, which saw a decrease year-on-year. This imbalance exposes the sector to external shocks and global market volatility, reinforcing the urgency of strengthening our internal capacity.”— Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC)

    “This year is crucial in our drive to fashion out more innovative solutions to attract investments and create the needed buffers against external shocks in the fuel supply chain. Without sustained public and private investment, it will be difficult to build the infrastructure, technology, and human capital necessary to support Ghana’s long-term energy aspirations.”— Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)

     

    “Where the core product is a commodity and price competition is a race to the bottom, the most durable source of advantage left is the brand… We must move away from an unstable foundation where discounting erodes profit margins for everyone without buying genuine loyalty.”— Mohammed Issah, Petroleum Market Analyst

     

    Primary Market Drivers vs. Operational Bottlenecks

    ● Thermal Power and Transport Demand: A significant surge in fuel oil and gas oil utilization for thermal electricity generation, combined with robust commercial transport, drove the overall consumption increase.

    ● Regional Export Opportunities: Cross-border sales to landlocked neighbors such as Burkina Faso and Mali rose by 25 percent, offering a major foreign exchange revenue stream.

    ● Retail Forecourt Competition: Price deregulation and intense discounting between market leaders have compressed operator margins, forcing oil marketing companies to pivot toward digital loyalty schemes, non-fuel retail offerings, and service differentiation.

    ● Regulatory Modernization: Regulators are currently rolling out 24-hour depot operations, automated monitoring systems, and EV charging guidelines to future-proof distribution networks.

    While expanding trade volumes highlight Ghana’s growing role in regional energy logistics, achieving market stability will require closing the gap between raw import dependence and local processing infrastructure.

     

  • Volta Economic Corridor ready for long-term private capital as concession negotiations begin

    Volta Economic Corridor ready for long-term private capital as concession negotiations begin

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Ghana’s ambitious Volta Economic Corridor project has entered a pivotal phase for institutional and private investors as formal negotiations commenced in Accra.

    The discussion is to help establish the legal and financial framework necessary to unlock major capital investments in inland water transport, logistics, and regional trade infrastructure.

    Driven under the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, the negotiations, involving the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), are structured to deliver a bankable concession agreement to govern the development, financing, and operation of the Water-Lake Transport Project.

    Launching the negotiations, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah highlighted the strategic commercial value of the corridor, framing the initiative as a landmark opportunity to transform the Volta Lake from a hydroelectric asset into a multi-sector economic powerhouse connecting northern and southern trade routes.

    “Leadership is measured by the changes it brings to the lives of the people,” Dr. Debrah stated, assuring investors and business leaders that the government remains committed to creating a secure partnership model. He noted that the next phase of the historic Volta basin vision is “to harness the lake to promote transport, trade, investment and regional integration.”

    The initiative seeks to establish a high-capacity north-south transport corridor supported by modern inland ports to streamline cargo movement, drastically lower domestic freight costs, and catalyze commercial activity in surrounding industries.

    Underlining the economic fundamentals underpinning the project, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Mr. Goosie Tanoh, revealed that detailed technical and market studies confirmed high-yield potential across inland shipping, renewable energy, irrigation, manufacturing, and tourism.

    “The concession negotiations will establish a framework capable of attracting long-term private investment while safeguarding the interests of the state and all participating institutions,” Mr. Tanoh noted, emphasizing the project’s structured approach to risk management and investor security.

    To accelerate project timelines and derisk early-stage development, GIIF has already approved initial financing for preparatory works while actively co-structuring capital mobilization efforts with foreign and domestic private sector partners.

    Board Chairman of GIIF, Franklin Mensah, confirmed that the fund is coordinating closely with the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat to position the Water-Lake Transport Project as a key pillar for infrastructure-led growth.

    “The project will create a major north-south transport corridor along the Volta Lake, supported by inland ports to facilitate cargo movement, reduce transport costs and stimulate economic activities along the corridor,” Mr. Mensah said, adding that GIIF is leading efforts to crowd in additional private equity and debt financing.

     

     

  • Visionary Oversight: Edudzi Tameklo lauded for ethical governance and fuel market reforms

    Visionary Oversight: Edudzi Tameklo lauded for ethical governance and fuel market reforms

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Public policy analysts and downstream energy sector stakeholders have commended the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, praising his introspective administrative style, strategic sector reforms, and steady stewardship of Ghana’s petroleum market.

    Since assuming leadership at the downstream petroleum regulator, Tameklo has earned acclaim for combining legal rigor with consumer-focused policy reforms. Industry observers point to his deliberate decision-making process, which prioritizes operational sustainability, market fairness, and regulatory compliance, as a key catalyst behind recent institutional achievements.

    “Mr Edudzi Tameklo’s great sense of introspection shows in the way he discharges his duties,” noted a recent public evaluation of his leadership. “He pauses to ask, is this policy sustainable? Are we protecting the vulnerable? Are we creating space for legitimate business to thrive while closing loopholes for bad actors?”

    Transformative Sector Achievements

    Under Tameklo’s leadership, the NPA has accelerated critical reforms aimed at modernizing Ghana’s downstream value chain and deepening local participation. Key milestones include the integration of fuel depots and station operations into the national 24-hour economy framework, the enforcement of local content guidelines, and intensified campaigns against illicit petroleum trade and fuel smuggling.

    Furthermore, his tenure has focused on safeguarding product quality across supply routes, strengthening environmental standards, and fostering green transition initiatives, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and solar integration within petroleum operations.

    “That self-examination keeps the Authority honest,” the commentary highlighted. “It is why his leadership feels outstanding, not just busy.”

    Legal Expertise and Political Influence

    A legal practitioner called to the Ghana Bar in 2013, Tameklo holds an LL.M. in Natural Resources (Downstream Petroleum) from the University of Ghana, giving him technical depth in regulating energy markets. Prior to his appointment as NPA Chief Executive, he established himself as a prominent political strategist, serving as Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and contributing to major governance transition and policy committees.

    Tameklo’s dual background as a seasoned advocate and regulatory expert has positioned him as a pivotal voice in navigating volatile global energy conditions while protecting local businesses and consumers. By balancing market incentives for compliant business operators with rigorous anti-smuggling safeguards, his administration continues to set a benchmark for public sector governance and regulatory efficiency in West Africa.

     

  • Growing Beyond Stabilisation: Ghana’s new economic agenda as expected in mid-year budget

    Growing Beyond Stabilisation: Ghana’s new economic agenda as expected in mid-year budget

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In what is being positioned as a decisive turning point for Ghana’s economy, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is scheduled to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

    The presentation will mark a major shift in the economic management of the Mahama administration. Following months of strict fiscal consolidation, the government is ready to transition from defensive stabilisation measures to an aggressive, productivity-driven growth strategy designed to directly impact jobs and standard of living.

    Locking in the Gains of the Economic “Reset”

    The mid-year review is presented in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), comes on the heels of better-than-expected macroeconomic performance in the first half of the year. Inflation has continued a steady downward trajectory, food inflation has plunged significantly, and the standard VAT rate reduction from 21.9% to a flat 20% has provided breathing room for local markets.

    Speaking ahead of the presentation, a senior economic analyst at the Ministry of Finance explained that the initial stabilization groundwork has been fully laid:

    “The era of stopping the economic bleeding is behind us. Having achieved a highly predictable macroeconomic environment in the first half of the year, Dr. Ato Forson’s presentation on July 23 will focus on unlocking the country’s productive capacity. This is about pivoting from basic stability to visible, tangible expansion.”

     

    What Is on the Horizon?

    The mid-year review is expected to offer crucial updates on several key policy initiatives, including:

    ● The IMF Transition: The planned transition from the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) to the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI).

    ● Debt Restructuring: Progress on external debt negotiations and updated debt sustainability metrics.

    ● Strategic Investments: Funding updates for major pillars like the “24-Hour Economy” and “Big Push” infrastructure projects.

    Lawmakers in Parliament are anticipating a highly detailed presentation. Reflecting on the significance of the July 23 sitting, a member of the parliamentary Finance Committee observed:

    “The business community is looking for policy predictability. We want to see how the fiscal discipline of the last six months translates into structural support for local industries and small enterprises. The Minister has been very disciplined with public spending, and now we want to see the blueprint for accelerated growth.”

     

    A Discipline-First Growth Framework

    Despite the shift toward expansion, Ministry officials maintain that the transition will not trigger reckless public spending. The government remains legally anchored to a strict target of a 1.5% primary surplus, a cap reinforced by the newly established independent Value for Money Office.

    Dr. Ato Forson has previously defended this dual approach of holding the line on discipline while pursuing development, stating:

    “Macroeconomic stability is not an end in itself; it is the foundation upon which we build jobs, attract investments, and drive industrialisation. But as we pivot to growth, our commitment to keeping the integrity of public finances sacred remains absolute.”

     

    With consultations with Cabinet concluding this week, all eyes will be on the floor of Parliament next Thursday as Dr. Ato Forson outlines the financial roadmap for the rest of the fiscal year.

     

  • Central Regional Minister tours flagship 24-Hour Economy market sites

    Central Regional Minister tours flagship 24-Hour Economy market sites

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has officially commenced an extensive monitoring tour of ongoing 24-Hour Economy Market project sites across several districts and municipalities in the region.

    The tour, organized by the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC), is aimed at gathering first-hand assessments of the construction progress and ensuring that work meets the government’s rigorous timelines for delivery.

    Tracking a campaign promise

    The 24-Hour Economy Market initiative stands as a cornerstone flagship policy of the current administration, heavily campaigned upon during the 2024 general election cycle. Designed as a major catalyst for structural economic transformation, the project aims to establish vibrant, around-the-clock commercial hubs to dramatically boost local revenue, enhance livelihoods, and create sustainable direct and indirect jobs for the youth.

     

    Project Tour Itinerary & Expected Outcomes

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    Starting Point: Hemang Lower Denkyira District

     

    Next Phases: KEEA Municipality & Cape Coast Metro

     

    Primary Focus: Job creation, infrastructure checks, and stakeholder engagement

     

    The Minister’s high-powered delegation includes:

    ● Hon. Chief Mike Dery – Regional Political Coordinator

    ● The Regional Coordinating Director

    ● Madam Janet Quansah – Regional School Feeding Coordinator

    ● The Regional Works Engineer

    Grassroots stakeholder engagement

    The itinerary began in the Hemang Lower Denkyira District, with subsequent inspection stops scheduled throughout the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) Municipality and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Area.

    Beyond inspecting brick-and-mortar progress, Hon. Eduamoah and his team are actively engaging traditional authorities, local market women, traders, and community youth groups. According to officials, these town-hall-style interactions are vital for assessing community needs and aligning project execution with the realities on the ground.

    “This exercise allows the government to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises,” noted Hon. Chief Mike Dery, the Regional Political Coordinator, in an official brief. “We are urging residents to remain confident in the state’s vision and transformative economic policies.”

     

    Driving national transformation

    The multi-site rollout underpins a broader national agenda spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, who has continually positioned the 24-hour economy model as the primary engine for Ghana’s modern industrial and commercial development.

    Regional authorities have signaled that contractors who delay on site will be held strictly accountable, emphasizing that the economic relief promised to the citizens of the Central Region cannot afford bureaucratic bottlenecks. Update briefings on the remaining phases of the tour are expected to be released to the press by the end of the week.

     

  • MoMo transactions hit GH¢493.2 billion as BoG and agents push for safety amid aggressive expansion

    MoMo transactions hit GH¢493.2 billion as BoG and agents push for safety amid aggressive expansion

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    Ghana’s digital financial ecosystem has shattered previous records, with mobile money (MoMo) transaction values soaring to an unprecedented GH¢493.2 billion.

    The staggering figure represents a massive 35 percent year-on-year surge in transaction volumes, cementing mobile money as the undisputed engine of financial intermediation and inclusion across the country.

    However, this exponential boom has triggered an aggressive regulatory and operational counter-response. As the volume of electronic capital floating through digital channels scales up, the Bank of Ghana (BoG), major fintech infrastructure giants, and grassroots merchant groups are taking drastically stricter stances to ensure that rapid technological innovation does not compromise national financial security.

    Central bank demands “responsibility first”

    Addressing a forum of digital finance innovators, central bank executives made it explicitly clear that the regulator will no longer tolerate loosely monitored systems that give room to cybercriminals. Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama urged fintech firms to look beyond profit margins and aggressively pair their market innovations with strict structural compliance.

    “The scale of transaction flows we are witnessing, crossing the GH¢490 billion mark, demands an equivalent level of institutional maturity,” the central bank chief stated. “We expect our fintech partners to innovate, but that innovation must go hand-in-hand with absolute responsibility. The central bank will not hesitate to enforce punitive measures against any platform that treats Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance and fraud mitigation protocols as an afterthought.”

    The hammer falls: Mass suspensions for delinquent agents

    Translating the central bank’s warning into immediate operational action, leading fintech and mobile money service providers have aggressively tightened compliance frameworks across the country. Over the past weeks, service operators have initiated widespread compliance sweeps, leading to the temporary suspension and outright termination of thousands of agent accounts.

    The crackdown targets merchant points that have failed to update their official business identification, those operating with unverified biometric data, and lines flagged for suspicious transaction patterns.

    “The security of the digital wallet is sacrosanct,” a senior compliance executive at Mobile Money Fintech Limited remarked following the enforcement wave. “We are cleansing our merchant database to lock out fraudsters who exploit loose ends. If an agent account cannot be mapped to a verifiable physical location or a valid national identification, that account faces immediate suspension or complete termination. There are no compromises when it comes to safeguarding consumer funds.”

    Security guarantees demanded for 24-Hour economy integration

    While the state pushes to integrate the massive mobile money infrastructure into its flagship “24-Hour Economy Initiative” designed to transition Ghanaian commerce into an all-day, all-night operational cycle on-the-ground operators are raising serious safety concerns.

    The Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana (MMAAG) has thrown its support behind the 24-hour commerce vision but has issued an ultimatum to state security agencies. The association demands immediate, concrete security measures to protect its members before they can fully participate in late-night or overnight trading blocks.

    Speaking on the unique risks faced by roadside merchants, Evans Otumfuo, the General Secretary of MMAAG, explained that expanding operating hours into the night without tactical police protection is a recipe for disaster.

    “We represent the frontline soldiers of this GH¢493 billion digital economy, and our lives cannot be put at risk,” Otumfuo declared. “MMAAG is fully ready to deploy our networks to sustain a 24-hour transaction cycle, but the government must first assure us of security. We are demanding targeted night patrols, improved street lighting in commercial zones, and dedicated emergency response channels for our members. Until these security measures are visibly on the ground, we cannot ask our agents to risk their lives operating in the dark.”

    With transaction volumes showing no signs of slowing down, the future of Ghana’s digital economy will depend heavily on whether policy coordinators, law enforcement, and major telecom platforms can build a protective framework that matches the rapid pace of financial innovation.

     

     

  • MiDA Moves to Transform Volta Corridor into Agro-Industrial Powerhouse

    MiDA Moves to Transform Volta Corridor into Agro-Industrial Powerhouse

    The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) has begun a major push to transform Ghana’s Volta Basin into a network of agro-industrial hubs aimed at driving agricultural productivity and supporting the 24-hour economy agenda of former President John Dramani Mahama.

     

    A high-level delegation led by MiDA Board Chairman Charles Abugre and Chief Executive Officer Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould recently toured key farming corridors along the White and Black Volta rivers to assess sites for the establishment of Agro-Ecological Parks (AEPs).

     

    The tour took the team across several agricultural zones in the Oti and Northern regions, where officials observed what they described as significant untapped potential for large-scale farming, irrigation and agro-processing.

     

    Building Integrated Agro-Industrial Zones

    According to MiDA, the proposed Agro-Ecological Parks will serve as integrated production zones designed to support year-round farming, food processing, storage, logistics and export.

     

    Speaking after the visit, Mr. Mould said the initiative is intended to move Ghana beyond subsistence agriculture to a more industrialised system that creates jobs and strengthens the country’s food security .

     

    “We are not looking at farming alone,” he said. “The vision is to develop complete agro-industrial ecosystems where production, processing, storage and logistics work together to boost productivity and expand export opportunities.”

     

    He explained that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen value chains in crops such as rice, vegetables, fruits and other high-value commodities.

     

    Transport Challenges at Dambai

    During a stop at Dambai in the Oti Region, the delegation identified transportation challenges that could affect economic activity along the proposed agricultural corridor.

     

    Officials noted that the current ferry system serving the area is slow and unreliable, with commuters sometimes waiting more than three hours to cross the river.

     

    Mr. Mould said improving transport connectivity in the area is essential if the corridor is to attract investment and support large-scale agricultural production.

     

    “A modern agricultural corridor requires efficient transport infrastructure,” he said, stressing the importance of improving river crossing facilities to enhance market access and mobility.

     

    Infrastructure Gaps in Northern Ghana

    The delegation also visited parts of the Northern Region, including the Katanga Valley, where officials identified three potential sites suitable for irrigation dam development.

     

    Plans are also being considered for the establishment of an agro-industrial processing zone around the Salaga area to support agricultural value addition.

     

    However, the team observed that some facilities built under the One Village One Dam initiative in communities such as Zoggu and Tamaligu were incomplete or not functioning as expected.

     

    Mr. Mould stressed the need for infrastructure projects to meet proper engineering standards to ensure long-term agricultural development.

     

    Mr. Mould said the long-term goal is to transform agricultural corridors across Northern Ghana into engines of growth capable of supporting jobs, exports and food security.

     

    “With the right infrastructure, irrigation systems and partnerships, these regions can become major agricultural production centres for Ghana,” he said.

  • Mahama’s ‘Industrial Hub’ vision gains momentum as agribusiness reforms signal economic renaissance

    Mahama’s ‘Industrial Hub’ vision gains momentum as agribusiness reforms signal economic renaissance

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to transform Ghana into West Africa’s premier industrial hub received a major boost last week, as private sector leaders and government advisors aligned on a strategy rooted in macroeconomic stability and aggressive agribusiness expansion.

    The dual focus on manufacturing and agriculture comes at a time of historic economic recovery, characterized by a resurgent Cedi and a dramatic collapse in interest rates that has fundamentally altered the business landscape.

    Macroeconomic Winds in Industry Sails

    During the “Evening Direct Government–Private Sector Partnership Engagement” last week, business leaders from finance to manufacturing expressed a sense of “relief and renewed confidence.”

    The transformation is anchored by data that seemed unimaginable just 24 months ago.

    After a turbulent 2024, the Ghana Cedi has appreciated by 40.7% against the US Dollar in 2025, trading at GH¢10.97 as at the end of last week.

    Commercial lending rates have plummeted from a peak of 47% to approximately 13%, while Treasury Bills have hit a low of 6.6%.

    Inflation has been successfully reined in from 23.8% by the end of 2024 to a remarkably low 3.8% as of January 2026.

    “Macroeconomic discipline and affordable financing are the essential prerequisites for this industrialization,” President Mahama told the gathering. He emphasized that the current stability is a foundation for “value addition and export-led growth” under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Agribusiness: The Engine of the “Reset”

    While heavy industry took centre stage at the Jubilee House, the government’s “economic reset” is equally focused on the fields. Speaking at the 2026 Ghana Tree Crop Excellence Awards last week, Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari highlighted the agricultural sector as the linchpin for job creation.

    Mogtari pointed to the recent establishment of an agribusiness division within the Ministry of Trade and Industry as a key structural reform. “This renaissance lies largely in our commitment to agriculture to investing, marketing, and adding value,” she stated.

    The 24-Hour Economy Stimulus

    A major legislative milestone was also highlighted in the signing of the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill into law. According to Mogtari, this Act will serve as the “main tool” for industries and agribusinesses to scale operations beyond traditional hours, maximizing production capacity in a stable currency environment.

    The Tree Crop Excellence Awards also honored key figures who have championed this transition, including former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and current Minister Eric Opoku, recognized for their efforts in advancing value addition in the tree crop sector.

    A Unified Front for Growth

    The synergy between industrial policy and agricultural reform has created what observers call the strongest government-private sector partnership in a decade.

    Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has projected a robust 4.8% GDP growth for 2026, driven by this new predictability. For manufacturing representatives, the combination of the 24-hour economy mandate and falling interest rates allows for a “much bigger opportunity” to scale and compete globally.

    As the government institutionalizes these regular dialogues, the focus now shifts to implementation—ensuring that the stable Cedi and legislative reforms translate into the factory floors and farms that the President hopes will define Ghana’s industrial future.

     

     

     

     

     

  • NPA and stakeholders chart path for 24-hour petroleum operations

    NPA and stakeholders chart path for 24-hour petroleum operations

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    In a landmark move to modernize Ghana’s energy sector, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has convened a strategic consultative meeting with the 24-Hour Economy Authority to finalize the pilot implementation of the 24-hour economy programme within the downstream petroleum industry.

    The meeting, held last week, marks a significant milestone in the government’s “Reset Agenda,” aimed at boosting national productivity and job creation through extended operational hours.

    A unified strategic approach

    The session was chaired by the NPA Chief Executive, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., who underscored the authority’s unwavering commitment to the initiative. He noted that the petroleum sector is a critical engine of the economy and its transition to a 24-hour cycle will have a positive ripple effect across transport, manufacturing, and retail.

    Supporting the Chief Executive were key members of the NPA management, including: Dr. Sheila Addo and Dr. Dramani Bukari (Deputy Chief Executives); Mrs. Sedinam Afua Charity Mammara (HR Director); Mrs. Maria Edith Oquaye (Corporate Affairs Director); Mrs. Eunice Budu-Nyarko (Director of Consumer Services) and; Abass Tasunti (Director of Economic Regulation & Planning)

    Industry alignment and participation

    The pilot programme is being designed in close collaboration with the private sector. Representatives from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) contributed to the roadmap.

    Discussions focused on the logistical requirements for 24-hour fuel loading and discharge, the introduction of night-shift labor frameworks, and the financial incentives necessary to support businesses transitioning to the new model.

    “We are leaving no stone unturned,” Mr. Tameklo told stakeholders. “Every necessary measure from regulatory adjustments to operational support is being taken to guarantee that the downstream petroleum sector leads the way in this national transformation.”

    Safety and national security

    A 24-hour economy requires a robust security architecture. To address this, high-ranking officials from the Ghana Police Service and National Security participated in the deliberations. The strategy includes:

    ● Enhanced Patrols: Increased visibility of security personnel at fuel depots and retail outlets during late-night hours.

    ● Smart Surveillance: Deployment of advanced monitoring systems to ensure the safe transit of bulk petroleum products.

    ● Worker Safety: Specialized protocols to protect employees working on night shifts.

    The pilot phase

    The upcoming pilot implementation will test the feasibility of round-the-clock fuel station operations and depot services in select metropolitan areas before a nationwide rollout. This move is expected to drastically reduce daytime traffic congestion caused by heavy tankers and provide more flexible refueling options for consumers and commercial drivers.

    With the 24-Hour Economy Authority now operational, the NPA’s proactive stance signals a new era for Ghana’s energy landscape—one that never sleeps.

     

     

     

  • DVLA Adenta’s 24-Hour Model shows strong results in late-night inspection

    DVLA Adenta’s 24-Hour Model shows strong results in late-night inspection

    ADENTA – The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is proving that government services don’t have to sleep.

    During a recent late-night site visit to the Adenta office, officials confirmed that the newly implemented 24-hour service model is seeing significant traction, maintaining high productivity levels even in the middle of the night.

    The visit was designed to audit the “24-hour mandate” and observe whether efficiency holds steady during the graveyard shift.

    Productivity by the Numbers

    After a personal review of the records with the night-shift staff, the data revealed a steady stream of citizens taking advantage of the extended hours. In a single overnight shift, the office successfully completed:

    ● 8 Vehicle Registrations

    ● 7 New License Applications

    ● 5 License Renewals

    ● 2 Foreign License Conversions

    “It is one thing to mandate efficiency; it is another to see it in action in the middle of the night,” noted the visiting official. “These numbers represent more than just data; they represent our commitment to making government services accessible and convenient for every citizen, at any hour.”

     Shifting the Paradigm

    Traditionally, seeking government documentation in Ghana has meant taking time off work or enduring long daytime queues. The Adenta model aims to dismantle those barriers by providing a seamless experience for those whose schedules don’t fit the standard 9-to-5 window.

    Dedicated staff members on-site reported that the night shift allows for a more focused processing environment, often resulting in faster turnaround times for applicants.

     What’s Next

    As the DVLA continues to monitor the success of the Adenta 24-hour branch, there are growing expectations that this level of productivity could serve as a blueprint for other regional offices. For now, the message to motorists is clear: the lights are on, and the services are ready whenever you are.