The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated the newly reconstituted board of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), promising strengthened regulatory oversight and sweeping reforms to boost Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector.

At a formal ceremony marking the occasion, the minister stressed the vital role the NPA plays in safeguarding efficiency, transparency, and accountability throughout the petroleum value chain.

“This industry is central to our economic growth. Effective regulation is not optional—it is imperative,” Mr Jinapor declared.

He called on the authority to remain alert in the face of global oil price fluctuations and persistent sectoral challenges, such as fuel smuggling, adulteration, dumping, and tax evasion.

The minister praised recent improvements in the authority’s compliance mechanisms but urged the new board to deepen efforts aimed at tackling illicit practices and enhancing public confidence.

Mr Jinapor emphasised that the board’s duties extend beyond traditional supervision, noting, “The board’s responsibility goes beyond oversight—it includes advancing good governance, promoting transparency, ensuring adherence to licensing standards, and boosting local content and participation.”

He further charged the members to cultivate a stable, competitive, and investor-friendly regulatory landscape, aligned with Ghana’s broader energy ambitions.

The minister also announced the submission of the final report by the Petroleum Downstream Sector Reforms Committee, which was set up in March 2025.

He assured stakeholders that the ministry would carefully examine the recommendations—especially those focused on operational transparency, enforcement, and long-term sectoral sustainability—and collaborate with the NPA and other industry actors to implement the proposed changes.

In his acceptance remarks, the newly appointed Chairman of the NPA Board, Alhaji Huudu Yahya Iddrisu, conveyed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the opportunity to serve.

“On behalf of the board, I express our gratitude to President Mahama. We are committed to advancing his vision of a fair, transparent, and efficient petroleum sector that delivers value to all Ghanaians,” he stated.

Alhaji Iddrisu pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the Authority meets its mandate with integrity and innovation.

Other members of the new board include Elorm L. Lardi Glawu, Dr Clement Osei-Amodo, Godwin Tameklo (CEO of NPA), Sanja Anita Morrison, Linda N. Ogebdei Quao, and Madam Philis Naa Koryoo Okunor.