The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Stephen Ntim, has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a significant addition to the leadership of the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the petroleum sector in Ghana.
Ntim’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the NPA seeks to implement reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and sustainability within the industry. In his new role, Ntim is expected to leverage his extensive experience and leadership skills to guide the Authority in addressing the challenges facing the petroleum sector.
In a statement released by the NPA, the Authority expressed confidence in Ntim’s ability to lead the board effectively. “Mr. Stephen Ntim brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of governance and regulatory practices. We believe his leadership will be instrumental in driving forward our mission to ensure a reliable and efficient petroleum sector,” the statement read.
Ntim, who has been a stalwart of the NPP for many years, expressed his gratitude for the appointment and pledged to work diligently to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him. “I am honored by this appointment and look forward to working with the board and management of the NPA to achieve our objectives. Together, we will strive to create a transparent and sustainable petroleum sector that benefits all Ghanaians,” he said.
The appointment has garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some industry experts and NPP supporters have welcomed the move, citing Ntim’s leadership capabilities and commitment to public service, others have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest given his political affiliations.
Kwame Owusu, an energy policy analyst, commented on the appointment, stating, “Stephen Ntim’s extensive leadership experience is undeniable, and his appointment could bring positive changes to the NPA. However, it is crucial to ensure that his political background does not influence regulatory decisions. Maintaining the independence and integrity of the NPA is paramount.”
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also weighed in, calling for transparency and impartiality in Ntim’s tenure as Board Chair. In a statement, the NDC urged Ntim to prioritize the national interest over partisan considerations. “We hope that Mr. Ntim will uphold the principles of fairness and objectivity in his new role and work towards the betterment of the petroleum sector for all Ghanaians,” the statement read.
As Stephen Ntim assumes his position, all eyes will be on the NPA to see how his leadership impacts the regulatory landscape of the petroleum industry. The sector, which plays a critical role in Ghana’s economy, faces numerous challenges, including fuel price volatility, regulatory compliance, and the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Ntim’s appointment is expected to bring renewed focus and strategic direction to the NPA, as it continues its efforts to regulate and develop the petroleum industry in Ghana.
story filed by: Nana kwaku Duah
