The Africa Development Council (ADC) has criticised Ghana’s current petroleum pricing regime, warning that the frequent “erratic” adjustments at the pumps are doing “more harm than good” to the nation’s economic fabric and social cohesion.
In a statement released to coincide with Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary, the Council called on the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to abandon the current short-term pricing windows in favor of a more predictable, long-term framework.
The ADC argues that the current system, which allows for price fluctuations within narrow intervals, has birthed a volatile environment that makes it impossible for businesses to plan.
President of ADC Ing. Dr. Bright Atsu Sogbey noted that the instability, ripples through the transport sector, leading to a “one-way” inflation where fares spike during price hikes but never retreat when global oil prices dip.
Beyond the ledger books, he pointed to a more visceral consequence: the physical safety of Ghanaians.
He also claimed that there is a rising tide of “mistrust, confrontations, and in some instances violent altercations” between passengers and commercial drivers over fare disputes.
“These disputes… are not merely economic inconveniences,” the statement read. “They constitute a potential threat to public order and national security, as tensions escalate over transport fares and living costs.”
To remedy the situation, the ADC is proposing a radical shift in policy. Rather than the current reactive model, the Council suggests that the NPA implement a fixed ex-pump price regime that remains stable for a minimum of six months.
Under this proposal, the NPA would absorb international market fluctuations within that period rather than immediately passing the cost to the consumer.
The goal is to provide a “breathing room” for the economy and allow businesses to set budgets with confidence.
He mphasised that after 69 years, the country must move past these structural hurdles.
“As the nation commemorates 69 years of independence, this moment should serve as a reminder that true economic independence requires stability in the fundamental drivers of the economy—including energy pricing,” Dr. Sogbey stated.
He also urged the NPA to move beyond “purely economic” considerations and view fuel pricing through the lens of public welfare and national security.
Below is the full statement
PRESS RELEASE
GHANA’S ERRATIC PRICING OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AT THE RETAIL OUTLETS CAUSES MORE HARM THAN GOOD — ADC CALLS ON NPA FOR URGENT REFORM
The Africa Development Council (ADC) has, over the years, carefully monitored the pricing regime governing petroleum products in Ghana’s downstream sector and wishes to draw the urgent attention of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and all relevant stakeholders to a growing national concern — the persistent erratic pricing of petroleum products at retail outlets across the country.
The Council observes with deep concern that the current pricing window system, which allows frequent adjustments of petroleum prices within short intervals, has created a volatile and unpredictable economic environment. This uncertainty has negatively affected businesses, disrupted economic planning, and generated unnecessary tension within the transport sector and the wider Ghanaian economy.
A NATIONAL PROBLEM WITH FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES
The Africa Development Council believes that the unpredictable nature of petroleum pricing has created a major structural challenge in the Ghanaian economy. Transport operators often react swiftly to increases in fuel prices by raising transport fares, yet fare reductions rarely occur when prices decline. This imbalance breeds mistrust, confrontations, and in some instances violent altercations between passengers and transport operators.
Such disputes, which occur daily at transport terminals and commercial centers across the country, are not merely economic inconveniences. They constitute a potential threat to public order and national security, as tensions escalate over transport fares and living costs. There have been unfortunate cases where conflicts arising from transport fare disputes have resulted in injuries and even loss of lives.
The Council therefore stresses that the issue of petroleum pricing should not be treated as a purely economic or regulatory matter, but also as a public safety and national stability concern.
SIXTY-NINE YEARS AFTER INDEPENDENCE — A CALL FOR POLICY STABILITY
As Ghana celebrates its 69th year of independence, it is both reflective and concerning that the country still struggles to maintain a stable and predictable petroleum pricing framework capable of supporting long-term economic planning.
Since independence in 1957, Ghana has made remarkable strides in governance, infrastructure, and democratic stability. Yet, the inability to establish a consistent and predictable oil pricing regime continues to undermine business confidence and economic stability. Businesses that rely heavily on transportation and energy costs find it difficult to plan their operations, budgets, and pricing structures due to the constant fluctuations in fuel prices.
For a developing economy seeking industrial expansion, job creation, and economic transformation, energy price instability remains a major obstacle to sustainable growth.
ADC’S URGENT PROPOSAL TO THE NATIONAL PETROLEUM AUTHORITY
In light of these challenges, the Africa Development Council respectfully proposes that the National Petroleum Authority considers adopting a long-term petroleum pricing window that will provide greater stability within the downstream petroleum sector.
The Council recommends that:
- The NPA undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the long-term trend of international petroleum prices.
- Based on this analysis, the Authority establishes a fixed ex-pump price regime that remains stable for a minimum period of six months.
- Within this six-month pricing window, any increases or decreases in international crude oil prices should be absorbed and embedded within the fixed pricing structure, rather than immediately transferred to consumers.
- This approach will significantly reduce pricing volatility, stabilize transport fares, and enhance business predictability.
Such a policy intervention will not only help restore confidence in Ghana’s petroleum pricing system, but also reduce the social tensions that arise from frequent price changes.
THE NEED FOR DECISIVE REGULATORY ACTION
The Council firmly believes that addressing the problem of erratic petroleum pricing requires decisive regulatory leadership and a commitment to policies that prioritize economic stability and public welfare.
A stable pricing framework will:
Improve business planning and investment confidence
Reduce transport fare disputes and social tension
Promote economic predictability and cost stability
Strengthen public security and national cohesion
Ghana cannot afford to allow the persistent volatility of petroleum pricing to continue undermining its economic progress and social harmony.
CONCLUSION
The Africa Development Council therefore respectfully calls on the National Petroleum Authority to critically review the existing petroleum pricing framework and take bold steps to introduce a more stable and predictable pricing regime for the benefit of businesses, consumers, and national security.
As the nation commemorates 69 years of independence, this moment should serve as a reminder that true economic independence requires stability in the fundamental drivers of the economy — including energy pricing.
The Council uses this opportunity to wish the people of Ghana a Happy 69th Independence Anniversary, while encouraging policymakers to take the necessary steps to strengthen the country’s economic foundations.
The End
Signed
Ing. Dr. Bright Atsu Sogbey
President
Africa Development Council (ADC)
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana