The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is ramping up pressure on lawmakers to take decisive action against the growing menace of unauthorised fuel stations across the country, warning that the lax penalties currently in place are fueling dangerous violations.
According to NPA officials, the fines imposed on individuals who illegally construct and operate fuel outlets—currently less than GHS20,000—are far too lenient to discourage such life-threatening practices.
The Authority’s Chief Executive, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, made a passionate appeal to Parliament’s Energy Committee during a recent stakeholder engagement, urging a review of the existing sanctions framework to better reflect the risks involved.
“We are not just talking about regulatory breaches—we are talking about lives,” Tamakloe said. “What happened at Haatso is still fresh in our minds. A single illegal station can destroy families and property. The law must bite harder.”
A Public Safety Crisis in the Making
The NPA says it has recorded a worrying increase in unlicensed filling stations, many of which operate in densely populated areas with little regard for safety standards. Some have even been linked to explosions that have claimed lives and caused extensive damage to property.
Despite ongoing enforcement efforts, the Authority believes its hands are tied by weak legislation, which imposes what it describes as “non-punitive” fines that fail to deter repeat offenders or prevent new violations.
“We need Parliament to urgently review the legal framework to introduce stiffer penalties that can act as a real deterrent. Otherwise, we are sitting on a time bomb,” Tamakloe warned.
Strengthening Regulatory Muscle
The NPA has reiterated its commitment to clamping down on illegal operations and enforcing safety compliance across the fuel distribution chain. However, officials say that real change will require legal backing and institutional support.
Industry stakeholders and safety advocates have backed the NPA’s call, emphasizing the importance of preemptive action to avert future disasters.
“This is not just about fuel. It’s about planning, zoning, public safety, and accountability,” one energy analyst noted.
Way Forward
The Energy Committee is expected to consider the NPA’s proposals and possibly recommend amendments to relevant sections of the Petroleum Regulatory Act. In the meantime, the NPA has pledged to intensify inspections and shut down illegal outlets where found.
As Ghana’s fuel consumption and urbanisation continue to rise, the pressure is on legislators, regulators, and local authorities to work together in ensuring that public safety is not compromised for profit.
