Ghana petroleum sector faces regulatory debate over NPA Bill

The Institute for Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has called on the Ghanaian government and Parliament to withdraw the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Bill, 2026, for a comprehensive review. The institute warns that the proposed legislation could undermine the operational independence and financial sustainability of the state-owned Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) Energies.

IERPP argues that the Bill might grant the NPA and the sector minister excessive control over decisions regarding strategic fuel reserves and critical petroleum infrastructure. This comes as BOST reported a significant financial boost in 2025, with net profits rising 72% to GH¢683.96 million and revenue increasing to approximately GH¢3.81 billion. The institute cautioned that weakening BOST could jeopardize national fuel security and potentially lead to significant layoffs among its 658 staff.

Separately, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has implemented safeguards to prevent private fuel companies from monopolizing supplies. NPA Chief Executive Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe confirmed that Ghana maintains at least six weeks of fuel cover. He noted that while international diesel prices have nearly doubled since February, domestic consumers have been shielded by currency stability and government intervention. The NPA has also raised the price floor for petrol and diesel to manage rising international costs.