The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has issued a firm warning to fuel station operators across the country: operate without a valid license, and face immediate closure and possible decommissioning.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Authority emphasized its regulatory powers under the National Petroleum Authority Act, 2005 (Act 691), as amended, which mandates the licensing of all commercial activities related to the storage, distribution, and sale of petroleum products.
“No person shall engage in any commercial activity in the petroleum downstream industry unless that person has been granted a license by the NPA Board,” the statement referenced from Section 11 of the Act.
The NPA outlined the wide scope of regulated activities, including the importation, exportation, processing, refining, storage, distribution, marketing, and sale of petroleum products such as crude oil, gasoline, diesel, LPG, and kerosene.
To enforce compliance, the Authority reiterated that only Ghanaian citizens or foreign entities in registered joint ventures with Ghanaian partners, in accordance with local content and participation laws, are eligible to be licensed.
Furthermore, all licensed fuel stations are required to display their permits prominently on their business premises, as per Section 12 of the Act.
“A license issued under this Act shall be conspicuously exhibited by the licensee in a prominent place on the business premises,” the NPA stated.
The regulatory crackdown aims to strengthen consumer protection, enhance safety, and maintain confidence in Ghana’s petroleum supply chain—particularly as the industry expands to meet growing energy demands.
The NPA stressed that enforcement actions are ongoing, and unlicensed operators risk facing full legal consequences, including the dismantling of their facilities.
