GHANA is stepping up efforts to revolutionise its downstream petroleum sector, with a bold target of achieving 50 percent market penetration of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 2030. At the forefront of this initiative is the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), which is actively promoting private-led investment to scale operations and improve fuel security not only for Ghana but for the broader West African region.
Strengthened regulatory frameworks, data-driven monitoring systems, and infrastructure upgrades are laying the groundwork for this transformation. As the demand for clean and affordable energy grows, Ghana is positioning itself as a regional leader in LPG adoption and refined petroleum exports.
NPA pushes investment at Accra Energy Forum
At the upcoming Invest in African Energies: Accra Investor Briefing on April 14, 2025, NPA CEO Godwin Kudzo Tameklo is set to present Ghana’s downstream investment roadmap. The event, hosted at the Kempinski Hotel, will highlight strategic infrastructure projects such as the Integrated Petroleum Hub, LPG bottling plants, and improved fuel distribution networks.
Tameklo is expected to outline the NPA’s efforts to attract capital into downstream developments, from refining and storage to transportation and exports. These efforts are driven by a strong policy mandate and a push to use technology-based systems for better fuel quality, safety, and efficiency across the value chain.
Strong consumption growth supports sector expansion
Ghana’s downstream sector has recorded significant momentum in recent years. In 2024, petroleum product consumption increased by 15.4 percent, while gasoline consumption rose 9 percent to 588.5 kilotons. LPG usage also surged by 7.25 percent, reaching 340 million litres, thanks in part to the Cylinder Recirculation Model—a system introduced in 2023 that allows consumers to safely access LPG via pre-filled cylinders.
From just 28.9 percent LPG adoption in 2010, usage grew to 60 percent by 2023. LPG usage also jumped from 18.2 percent in 2010 to 44.1 percent in 2023, reflecting the success of the NPA’s policies and public awareness efforts.
Among the key infrastructure projects is the Puma Energy LPG bottling plant in Tema, a $6 million facility with capacity to deliver 1,200 cylinders per hour. A second facility, currently under development by the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company, will have a production capacity of 150 million cubic feet per day.
Technology and policy drive sector modernisation
To improve oversight and efficiency, the NPA has introduced several technology-driven tools and regulatory upgrades:
- A new automatic price adjustment formula to replace annual pricing
- A zero-tolerance policy for toxic fuels
- Promotion of low sulphur fuel options
- Use of a petroleum marking scheme
- Bulk road vehicle tracking
- An electronic cargo tracking system
- Advanced enterprise database software
These tools ensure greater transparency, monitoring, and product quality in the petroleum supply chain—strengthening investor confidence and consumer trust.
Ghana expands petroleum exports across West Africa
Ghana’s downstream ambitions go beyond its borders. The NPA signed export agreements in 2024 with Senegal and The Gambia, building on existing trade ties with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. In total, Ghana exported 385 million litres of petroleum products to neighbouring countries last year.
The country is also supported by a robust ecosystem of over 5,000 registered service providers, distributing more than 4 million metric tons of petroleum annually.
According to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, ‘Ghana is a strong example of the role natural gas and LPG can play in Africa’s energy future. With strategic policy, investment, and technology, Ghana is leading the charge toward energy access and fuel security across the region.’
A regional model for energy security
By combining smart regulation, targeted investment, and regional cooperation, Ghana is positioning its downstream sector as a cornerstone of national economic growth and regional energy security. As the country moves toward its 2030 LPG target, the role of the private sector and international investors will be critical.
With the NPA at the helm and a clear strategy in motion, Ghana is not only reshaping its energy landscape—but also setting an example for Africa’s clean energy future.
