Asantehene calls for closer collaboration in petroleum sector

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has advised industry players in the petroleum sector to collaborate with each other in order to ensure effective product delivery and economic growth.

The Asantehene said the important role the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) plays in the economic development of the county cannot be overlooked, and therefore advised the head of the Authority to ensure that regulations and certification are enforced for the greater good of all.

He noted that past explosions should serve as footnotes for the NPA to step-up ongoing exercises that will lead to safety in the downstream environment.

Adding that the recent heavy rains in Anloga, a suburb of Kumasi, which led to the flooding of a petrol station was one clear sign of why efficient collaboration is needed by all the industry players to avoid a repeat of a ‘similar’ floods and fire which took many lives in Accra.

He assured the NPA of his willingness to offer counsel where necessary, to ensure it discharges its duties to the country’s good.

The Asantehene, who was flanked by two of his subjects, also used the opportunity to caution some players in the industry not to be solely motivated by profit, but also the value of policies that impact positively on the whole society.

The Asantehene made these remarks when the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Hassan Tampuli, led a delegation made up of some members of the board, directors, and management to pay a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace.

Mr. Tampuli briefed the Asantehene on current stakeholder engagements of the Cylinder Re-circulation Model, and the industry agitation by some operators who have insisted the policy will collapse their business.

“Ghanaians will remain the fulcrum around which the policy revolves,” he assured the Asantehene.

On the issue of the agitation against the policy, Mr. Tampuli reiterated the commitment of his team to continue with discussions so the best policy is delivered to the people of Ghana.