NPA CEO inaugurates multi-stakeholder bitumen technical committee

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, has inaugurated a 16-member multi-stakeholder Bitumen Technical Committee to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for the quality control, regulation, and use of bitumen in Ghana's road construction sector.

The committee, inaugurated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, is expected to formulate guidelines to govern key aspects of the bitumen industry, including importation, storage, transportation, distribution, and quality assurance.

Although the bitumen industry has operated in Ghana for several years and remains critical to the country's road infrastructure development and maintenance, there is currently no dedicated regulatory framework overseeing its operations.

The committee will be chaired by Mr. Abass Tasunti, Director of Economic Regulation and Planning at the NPA, with Ms. Bridgette A. Turkson, Acting Director of the Licensing Directorate, serving as Co-Chair.

Other members include representatives from the NPA's Quality Assurance, Licensing, Inspections Monitoring and Health, Safety and Environment Directorates, as well as officials from the Ghana Highways Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority Customs Division, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Tameklo underscored the importance of ensuring that all bitumen produced locally or imported into the country meets the required standards.

“The road sector is a huge consumer of bitumen and the concern is coming primarily from that sector as to the quality of the product that is available. As long as it is a by-product from the refinery, then it comes directly under NPA and we have the responsibility to ensure that the bitumen that comes into the country is of good quality,” he said.

He noted that the inclusion of the Ghana Standards Authority and the Ghana Highways Authority on the committee would promote collaboration in ensuring quality standards are maintained.

“You will notice that the technical committee comprises members from NPA, Ghana Standards Authority and Ghana Highways Authority so that we can work together to ensure Ghana produces bitumen of good quality,” he added.

Mr. Tameklo further emphasized the importance of the committee's diverse composition, describing it as essential to developing a robust and practical regulatory framework.

“The technical committee has enough multi-stakeholder representation even though it is heavily tilted towards NPA. This is a very critical committee, and I want all of you to do your best. No compromises. Let us do it for Ghana,” he urged.

Chairman of the committee, Mr. Abass Tasunti, expressed confidence in the committee's ability to deliver on its mandate and called on members to actively contribute to the process.

“Bitumen is a critical product in the country. Almost all our roads are constructed with it, so it is important that we pay attention to it.

“As a regulator, any product that comes out of petroleum products, including bitumen, must be subject to NPA oversight. We have been engaging stakeholders over the years to develop a framework that will ensure that all bitumen produced meets international standards.

“The diversity of this committee is intended to ensure that the best ideas are brought to the table. I encourage every member to participate fully so that together we can develop a workable and effective framework,” he said.

The inauguration of the Bitumen Technical Committee marks a significant step in the NPA's efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight and quality assurance within Ghana's downstream petroleum sector while supporting the delivery of durable and high-quality road infrastructure.

Source: NPA