Ghana's Downstream Oil and Gas Sector: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities

Ghana’s downstream oil and gas sector stands at a transformative juncture, grappling with regulatory complexities, financial pressures, aging infrastructure, and market inefficiencies. However, within these challenges lie opportunities for innovation, strategic investment, and progressive reform.

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The inaugural Downstream Dialogue 2025 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and financial partners to tackle these issues head-on. Over two dynamic days, the event featured keynote speeches, expert-led panel discussions, and service provider insights, all focused on unlocking the petroleum sector’s potential for growth and resilience.

Key Insights and Addresses

Gabriel Kumi, Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), and Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of COMAC, emphasized the sector’s 8.7% contribution to Ghana’s GDP and the urgent need to address financing hurdles and regulatory inefficiencies.

Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), outlined the NPA’s vision for an innovative and efficient downstream sector, aligning with President John Dramani Mahama’s goal to transform the industry and introduce a 24-hour economy.

The Honourable John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, underscored the sector’s growing role in Ghana’s economy, with petroleum consumption rising from 26.4% of total energy in 2000 to 51% in 2023. He outlined the government’s commitment to:

• Enacting a downstream law

• Reviewing the price build-up of petroleum products

• Diversifying supply sources

• Implementing cost-reflective tariffs

• Developing a low-carbon fuel market

Policy Development and Regulatory Reforms