The National Petroleum Authority has warned Ghanaians to be conscious of illicit petroleum products in the country.
NPA is a statutory agency regulating, overseeing, and monitoring the petroleum downstream industry in Ghana under the NPA Act 2005, ACT 691.
Head of Security and Intelligence at NPA, Mr. Isaac Djabletey has expressed serious concern over the unlawful transfer of fuel in Ghana, overlooking the safety of the public.
Mr. Djabletey explained the reason why NPA has started monitoring activities by the petroleum industry. Speaking in an interview on Bryt Adekyee Mu Nsem as part of NPA’s team’s visit to the Eastern Region, Mr. Djabletey stressed that the NPA is more concerned about the unlawful transfer and use of petroleum products.
He, therefore, cautioned businessmen in the petroleum sector to comply with the regulatory requirements to operate in the Petroleum Downstream Industry.
According to him, reference is made to Section 11 of the NPA Act, 2005 (Act 691) as amended which says, (1) A person shall NOT engage in a business or commercial activity in the petroleum downstream industry UNLESS that person has been granted a license for that purpose by the (NPA) Board.
He stated that Section 11 (2) focuses on business activities of the downstream industry in respect of crude oil, gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, and other designated petroleum products, including (a) Importation; (b) Exportation; (c) Re-exportation; (d) Shipment; (e) Transportation; (f) Processing; (g) Refining; (h) Storage; (i) (i) (i) Distribution; (j) Marketing; and (k) Sale.
On qualification for license, Mr. Djabletey specified that Section 12 of the Act requires a Ghanaian or foreign company to register a joint venture relationship with a Ghanaian in accordance with the Ghanaian content and participation requirements.
NPA is cautioning all persons that failure to acquire the requisite license as required by the NPA Act will result in the locking up and/ordecommissioning of all illegal outlets.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Belinda Asomani/Pricila Amuzu
