The Chief Executive of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Dr Patrick Kwaku Ofori, has said Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector plays a wider role than the distribution of fuel, describing it as an important part of keeping the national economy moving.
Dr Ofori made the remarks at the seventh Ghana International Petroleum Conference, GHiPCON-2026, held in Accra on 16 July. He said the sector’s resilience should be judged by its preparedness for difficult conditions rather than its performance when circumstances are favourable.
Also speaking at the conference, National Petroleum Authority Chief Executive Godwin Edudzi Tameklo said sustained public and private investment would be needed to expand and modernise the sector. He said investment in infrastructure, technology and human capital was necessary to support Ghana’s long-term energy ambitions.
Mr Tameklo said regulation should go beyond enforcing compliance by building confidence, supporting innovation and helping to facilitate responsible investment.
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Jinapor, said global energy markets had faced disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions, supply-chain constraints, international price volatility, changing investment patterns and the energy transition.
According to the minister, such developments underline the need for countries to make deliberate policy choices, strategic investments and partnerships before a crisis emerges.
Dr Jinapor described the downstream petroleum industry as a critical foundation of Ghana’s economy, citing its role in transportation, industry, agriculture, mining and commerce. He said the sector’s performance affects households and businesses across the country.
He also commended stakeholders in the downstream petroleum value chain, saying Ghana maintained petroleum-product availability during a challenging period for global energy markets.
