The Diesel Price Reduction Ghana initiative has taken effect after the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) announced new ex-pump price floors for the second pricing window of August 2026, covering 4 August to 15 August 2026.

The adjustment follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, with diesel receiving a GH¢2.00 per litre reduction to provide temporary relief to consumers and businesses facing rising fuel costs.

While diesel prices have been lowered, the NPA kept the benchmark price floors for petrol and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) unchanged during the pricing period.

Under the revised pricing schedule, petrol remains at GH¢14.53 per litre, while diesel has been reduced from GH¢16.97 to GH¢14.97 per litre. LPG also remains unchanged at GH¢11.06 per kilogram.

The authority also announced benchmark price floors of GH¢16.08 per litre for Marine Gas Oil (MGO) Local and GH¢14.46 per litre for kerosene.

According to the NPA, the revised benchmarks will remain in force from 4 August to 15 August 2026, although the actual prices motorists pay at filling stations may differ depending on the pricing decisions of individual Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

The diesel reduction comes after President Mahama directed a temporary reduction in the regulatory margin on diesel for one month beginning 4 August 2026.

A statement issued by Government Communications Minister and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said Cabinet approved the intervention to lessen the impact of increasing fuel costs on households and businesses.

Government explained that the measure is intended to cushion consumers against higher transport costs, help contain inflationary pressures, and reduce the impact of fuel price increases on the overall cost of living.

Officials also indicated that developments in the international petroleum market will continue to be monitored, with additional policy interventions to be considered where necessary to support Ghana’s economic recovery and protect consumers.

The latest diesel relief package follows a similar intervention introduced in April 2026, when government temporarily reduced regulatory margins on diesel and petrol to moderate the impact of rising global crude oil prices.

Unlike diesel, the NPA determined that prevailing market conditions did not justify adjustments to petrol and LPG prices during the current pricing window, leaving both products unchanged.

The authority stressed that the published figures represent minimum ex-pump price floors under the Petroleum Product Pricing Guidelines (PPPG) and should not be interpreted as the final retail prices at filling stations.

Actual pump prices may vary because Oil Marketing Companies and LPG Marketing Companies are permitted to apply their own operating margins. The published benchmark prices also exclude International Oil Trading Company (IOTC) premiums and Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Company (BIDEC) charges.

The NPA will reassess market conditions after 15 August 2026 to determine price floors for the next pricing window.

Industry observers expect the diesel reduction to lower operating costs for commercial transport operators, logistics companies, farmers, manufacturers and other businesses that rely heavily on diesel-powered equipment. Consumers will also be watching closely to see whether the lower benchmark results in reduced pump prices and eventually eases pressure on transport fares.

President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), marking a major milestone in government’s efforts to revive the state-owned refinery after nearly six years of inactivity.

The commissioning signals the beginning of TOR’s operational comeback and forms a key part of the government’s strategy to strengthen local fuel production, reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products, and boost Ghana’s energy security.

Addressing the ceremony, President Mahama described the revival of the CDU as a crucial component of his administration’s “resetting agenda” aimed at rebuilding the economy through increased local production and industrial growth.

The President also witnessed the delivery of Ghana’s Jubilee crude oil to TOR for local refining, a move expected to lower the country’s reliance on imported fuel and reduce associated costs.
The Crude Distillation Unit is the heart of every refinery, serving as the first processing stage where crude oil is separated into various components based on their boiling points before being refined into products such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene.

President Mahama praised the management, board, and staff of TOR for successfully refurbishing the facility without direct government funding, describing the achievement as “a demonstration of what dedication and effective management can achieve.” He encouraged them to maintain the momentum as the refinery gradually returns to full operations.

Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor revealed that government had considered leasing the refinery for $22 million over a 10-year period but instead opted to invest in restoring the facility for Ghanaians to operate.
“We chose to keep it and make sure the people of Ghana work hard to keep it,” the minister stated.

Officials say bringing the CDU back on line will significantly improve TOR’s refining capacity, enhance national energy security, and support industrial development.

The Tema Oil Refinery has remained largely dormant for almost six years due to persistent financial and operational setbacks. With the refurbished CDU now operational, management expects a gradual restoration of full refining activities in the months ahead.

The African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, has hosted a welcome Dinner and Awards Night to celebrate the return of 118 Ghanaian postgraduate scholars who completed advanced studies in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Russia’s RUDN University and Peoples’ Friendship University under the AAC-RUDN scholarship programme.

The colourful event, held at the AH Hotel in East Legon, Accra on Saturday, August 1, 2026 brought together AAC executives, Jospong officials, development partners, stakeholders and the graduates to honour their academic achievements and formally welcome the first cohort of the pioneering initiative.

The scholars earned master’s and doctoral degrees in agronomy, crop production, soil science, environmental management, agricultural engineering and biotechnology. These expertise are expected to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural sector, enhance food security, and drive sustainable innovation into the system.

Speaking during the ceremony, the CEO of AAC and Executive Director of the Jospong Group, Dr. Mrs. Adelaide Siaw-Agyepong, described the occasion as one of the most fulfilling moments of her career, reflecting the profound impact of purposeful investment in people.

“Today’s event is so fulfilling. When you impact people and see the fruitfulness of what you have done, it brings fulfilment. This event is spectacular and will remain indelible on my mind,” she said.

She expressed gratitude for the students’ safe return, describing the scholarship as a landmark achievement designed to cultivate a new generation of highly skilled agricultural professionals. She noted that the graduates had already pledged to apply their acquired knowledge to support national development.

Addressing the scholars directly, she urged them to uphold integrity, discipline, and humility, stressing that academic excellence alone is insufficient without strong character.

“Education is very important, but what will sustain young people is character. You can acquire many credentials, but without character you will fail. Remain humble because character will take you very far in life,” she advised, encouraging them to become ambassadors of excellence, mentor future generations, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic growth.

The Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, also gave glory to God for guiding the students throughout their journey. Reflecting on the Group’s growth, he noted that while the beneficiaries left Ghana when the company operated in only one foreign country, Jospong has since expanded its footprint to 29 nations across Africa, demonstrating its growing capacity to drive agricultural development beyond Ghana’s borders.

He assured the graduates that Jospong and its subsidiary, AAC, would continue creating platforms for them to apply their expertise through research, agribusiness ventures, and practical projects supporting the continent’s food systems.

The returning scholars expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Mrs. Siaw-Agyepong, Dr. Siaw Agyepong, and the leadership of AAC and Jospong for the life-changing opportunity. They affirmed that the scholarship had transformed their careers and outlook on leadership and national service, pledging to improve local agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices. As a token of gratitude, they presented plaques and commemorative artefacts to the Group’s leadership.

The Welcome Dinner and Awards Night forms part of the broader AAC-RUDN Graduates Return and Reintegration Programme, which includes visits to AAC facilities, agricultural project sites and courtesy calls on key government institutions. These activities aim to align the graduates with Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda and prepare them for meaningful sector roles.

The welcome party was climaxed on Sunday, August 2, with a Thanksgiving Service at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Trasacco, Accra where the graduates, together with the leadership of AAC and the Jospong Group, offered thanks to God for the successful completion of the programme and the safe return of the scholars.

The service also marked a significant moment for the future of the initiative as representatives of RUDN University reaffirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding between the university and AAC, which provides scholarships for 500 Ghanaian students, remains fully in force.

Following the confirmation, Dr. Siaw Agyepong announced that preparations were already underway to sponsor the next cohort of approximately 120 Ghanaian students to pursue postgraduate studies in Russia under the expanding partnership.

Representatives of RUDN University commended the collaboration as a model for Africa, noting that it extends beyond academic exchange to promote scientific research, technology transfer, innovation and sustainable agricultural development.

The successful reintegration of the pioneer cohort and the announcement of a new intake underscore AAC’s long-term vision of building a highly skilled workforce capable of transforming agriculture, driving food security and supporting sustainable development in Ghana and across Africa.

The initiative underscores AAC’s broader vision, in partnership with RUDN University, of accelerating agricultural industrialisation, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening value chains across Africa through education and strategic partnerships. The successful homecoming of the 118 scholars reaffirms the Consortium’s belief that sustained investment in human capital remains one of the most effective pathways to transforming agriculture in Ghana and across the continent.

Ghana’s youth population continues to grow, presenting both a major opportunity and a significant challenge for national development, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in its World Population Day 2026 press release.

The Service revealed that Ghana’s population has increased from 18.9 million in 2000 to 30.8 million in the 2021 Population and Housing Census, with projections estimating the population at 33.7 million in 2025. Young people aged 15 to 35 now constitute 36.9 percent of the projected population, meaning more than one in every three Ghanaians falls within the youth bracket.

Marking this year’s World Population Day under the theme, “Investing in Ghana’s Future through Healthy, Skilled and Empowered Young People,” GSS said the country’s youthful population could become a powerful driver of economic growth if adequate investments are made in education, healthcare and skills development.

However, the Service stressed that the demographic dividend can only be achieved if young people are equipped with relevant skills and provided with meaningful employment opportunities.

According to the report, sustainable investments in technical education, entrepreneurship development, stronger school-to-work transition programmes and expansion of productive sectors are essential to transform Ghana’s youth into active contributors to inclusive national development.

GSS concluded that the decisions made today regarding young people’s health, education and empowerment will determine whether Ghana’s growing youth population becomes its greatest economic asset or a major development challenge.

WORLD POPULATION DAY_ PRESS RELEASE_28.07.2026

NPA fuel price floors have been increased for the first pricing window of August, signalling fresh pressure on fuel prices and raising concerns over the cost of transportation, logistics and production across Ghana.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) announced higher minimum retail prices for petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compared with the second pricing window of July.

According to the revised pricing schedule, the NPA fuel price floors for petrol have increased from GH¢13.28 to GH¢14.53 per litre, representing an increase of GH¢1.25, or 9.4 percent.

Diesel recorded the sharpest adjustment, with its price floor rising from GH¢14.35 to GH¢16.97 per litre. The GH¢2.62 increase represents 18.3 percent, making it one of the biggest increases in diesel price floors in recent years.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also saw an upward adjustment. The LPG price floor increased from GH¢10.19 to GH¢11.06 per kilogram, reflecting an increase of GH¢0.87, or 8.5 percent.

The NPA explained that the fuel price floors represent the minimum retail prices that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs) are required to charge during the pricing window.

However, the authority noted that these minimum prices do not include premiums charged by International Oil Trading Companies (IOTCs), the operating margins of Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs), or the margins of marketers and dealers. As a result, pump prices at filling stations may be higher than the published price floors.

The latest adjustment means consumers and businesses should prepare for increased fuel costs during the first pricing window of August. The significant rise in diesel prices is expected to have the greatest economic impact, as diesel remains the primary fuel used in transportation, mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing.

Analysts say the increase in NPA fuel price floors could trigger higher transport fares, increased logistics expenses and rising production costs, with businesses likely to pass some of the additional costs on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services.

Several Oil Marketing Companies have already begun adjusting pump prices in line with the new pricing window, indicating that fuel prices are likely to remain under upward pressure in the coming weeks