The Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GhiPCon) has received commendation from the Executive Chairman of the Energy Chamber of Ghana, Mr Joshua B. Narh, who described this year's event as a strong example of how regulators can lead meaningful conversations that shape the future of the country's energy industry.
Speaking after the conference, Mr Narh praised the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors Ghana (CBOD) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) for organising what he called "a stellar event" that brought together key players across the downstream petroleum value chain.
Regulator Takes the Lead
Mr Narh said the partnership between the NPA, CBOD and COMAC demonstrated the regulator's willingness to engage industry stakeholders rather than simply enforce regulations.
"The conference was organised by NPA in collaboration with COMAC and CBOD. That should tell you that the regulator is willing to listen," he said. "If we've got a regulator who leads, not just putting it together, they are leading the whole movement."
He added that the approach should serve as a model for other regulatory institutions seeking to better understand the challenges facing their respective industries.
Focus on Investment and Energy Security
This year's conference placed the downstream petroleum sector at the centre of discussions, with participants examining issues ranging from infrastructure financing and storage expansion to supply chain resilience and market efficiency.
Industry leaders, policymakers, regulators and investors used the platform to explore practical measures aimed at attracting investment while strengthening Ghana's position as a downstream petroleum hub in West Africa.
Mr Narh noted that such engagements are valuable because they allow regulators to hear directly from industry players and identify solutions to pressing concerns.
"I think it's very important. Other industry regulators should lead these very important conversations.
"It helps the regulators themselves to identify what the key issues are and how best we can proffer solutions to some of these issues." - Mr Narh
The conference reinforced the growing consensus that stronger collaboration between regulators and industry remains essential to sustaining growth, improving energy security and supporting Ghana's broader economic development.
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