The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is collaborating with security agencies to enhance safety at fuel stations nationwide as part of the government’s plan to implement a 24-hour economy in the petroleum sector.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Koforidua with the Eastern Regional Minister, security heads, and industry players, NPA Chief Executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo stressed the need for stringent security measures to curb criminal activities in the petroleum downstream sector.

“The petroleum sector is highly susceptible to criminal activities, including fuel smuggling, illegal siphoning, and fraudulent transactions,” he noted. “Fuel is a legitimate but highly valuable commodity, making it a target for illicit activities.”

To counter these threats, Mr. Tameklo emphasized the necessity of collaboration with the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Ghana Police Service, Customs, and the Fire Service. He also revealed plans to train security personnel on petroleum-related crimes to strengthen enforcement.

“We will need the active involvement of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), alongside the NPA’s intelligence unit and other security agencies like the Police, Customs, and Fire Service to combat all forms of fuel-related crimes,” he said.

Ensuring security at fuel stations, he added, is critical to the success of the 24-hour economy initiative.

“Petroleum is a hazardous product, and we cannot afford to overlook safety concerns,” he stated. “NPA will work closely with the Fire Service and other security agencies to ensure the highest levels of safety and security.”

His remarks come at a time when fuel stations have increasingly become targets for criminal activities. Earlier this month, masked armed robbers attacked the Kansaworodo branch of Total fuel station in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region. Fortunately, they were unable to access the safe, as the manager, who had the keys, was absent at the time.

Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey assured the NPA of her full support in enforcing security measures within the region. She proposed that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) be integrated into the NPA’s operations nationwide to strengthen security coordination.

The meeting ended with a collective call for deeper collaboration between the NPA, security agencies, and regional authorities to enhance safety, enforcement, and regulatory compliance across the petroleum industry.