The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) of Ghana is pushing for increased fuel trade and investment between Ghana and Mali. As part of this effort, a delegation from the NPA, led by Deputy Chief Executive Mrs. Linda Asante, recently visited Mali to engage with key stakeholders and discuss the possibility of increasing fuel supply to the Sahelian region.
During the four-day visit, the team held meetings with various stakeholders, including regulators, importers, customs officials, and the Malian directorate in charge of trade. The main objective of the visit was to deepen economic relations between Ghana and Mali, particularly in the area of fuel trade. The delegation also aimed to sign a trade cooperation agreement to promote fuel trade and investments between the two countries.
One of the key areas of focus for the delegation was to strengthen the collaboration between NPA and its Malian counterparts in curbing illicit fuel activities associated with the fuel trade. This is to protect the tax revenues of both countries and ensure that the Ghana-Mali corridor is safeguarded to protect the economic interests of both nations.
Another objective of the visit was to increase the supply of the fuels currently being supplied (Gasoil, Gasoline and Jet-A1) to Mali and promote LPG imports into the Malian market from Ghana. The team established working relations with the Ghanaian embassy in Mali on how to advance the economic interests of Ghana and facilitate the signing of the Trade Cooperation Agreement.
For the most part, the visit was a success, and the NPA is optimistic about the potential benefits of increased fuel trade and investment between Ghana and Mali. The NPA will continue to engage with the Malian authorities and importers to achieve this objective. The move is expected to boost economic activities between the two countries and the sub-region at large.