The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has been lauded by organizers of the Oil and Gas Awards for it continues commitment to policy initiatives which positively contribute to improving air conditions in Ghana.

The Authority’s introduction of the sulfur diesel to the market has positively impacted the health of more than three million residents in Accra and across the country, reducing exposure to poor urban air quality and fine particles. The awarding committee praised the initiative as not only outstanding but a step which will go along way to improving the health of the public.

Speaking to the media after the award, Chief Executive of NPA, Hassan Tampuli, renewed the Authority’s commitment to protecting the industry and consumers, by ensuring the right initiatives are implemented for the good of the sector and the country.

He was hopeful the industry’s best years are ahead and reiterated his commitment and that of his staff, to running an efficient and results oriented downstream industry for the gain of their partners and consumers.

Mr.Tampuli was full of praise for the entire staff of the authority and the board for their sacrifices. The award is one of many the NPA has received in the course of the year. It was recently honored by the United Nations’ Clean Air Alliance at COPE23 in Bonn, Germany, for the same initiative.

The alliance said the country’s move will influence regional efforts to improve air quality. Ghana is a major player in the West African fuel system as a fuel refiner and a major export hub for refined fuels. The policy will help lead West Africa’s desulfurization and adoption of cleaner vehicle emissions standards to lower particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution and black carbon emissions.

The award was the fourth in the series and brought together players from both the upstream and downstream sectors, who continue to contribute to the Ghana’s oil and gas sector.