Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has visited the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to learn how the fuel tracking technology used by the NPA can be applied to the food supply chain. The visit was part of his efforts to improve the efficiency and transparency of the agricultural sector in Ghana.
Fuel tracking technology for food security
The NPA is responsible for regulating the petroleum downstream industry in Ghana, ensuring the quality and availability of fuel products across the country. One of the tools that the NPA uses to achieve this is the Bulk Road Vehicle (BRV) Tracking Scheme, which allows the NPA to monitor the movement of every tanker that transports fuel from depots to retail outlets. The BRV Tracking Scheme also prevents the diversion and tampering of fuel products and ensures the payment of the right taxes.
Dr. Acheampong was impressed by the performance of the BRV Tracking Scheme and expressed his interest in adopting a similar system for the food supply chain. He said that such a system would help the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to track the stock of maize and other farm produce and to know whether farmers have started planting and harvesting. He also said that the system would help to prevent food wastage and losses and to ensure food security and stability in the country.
A fruitful collaboration
The NPA Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, welcomed the Minister and his team, and briefed them on the operations of the NPA, including the fuel marking program and the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF). He said that the NPA was ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to share its expertise and experience in using the fuel tracking technology. He also said that the NPA was committed to supporting the government’s agenda of transforming the agricultural sector and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.
The Minister and his team also visited the Command Centre, where the UPPF Coordinator, Mr. Jacob Amuah, demonstrated how the BRV Tracking Scheme works and how it can be adapted to the food supply chain. The Minister thanked the NPA for hosting him and his team and said that he looked forward to working with the NPA to implement the fuel tracking technology for the food supply chain.
A win-win situation
The adoption of fuel tracking technology for the food supply chain is expected to bring many benefits to both the agricultural and petroleum sectors in Ghana. It will improve the efficiency and transparency of the food distribution system, reduce food losses and wastage, and ensure food security and stability. It will also create a level playing field for both food and fuel transporters, and ensure the payment of the right taxes and levies. Moreover, it will enhance the quality and integrity of both food and fuel products, and protect the interests and welfare of both consumers and producers.
The visit of the Minister of Food and Agriculture to the NPA is a clear indication of the potential of the fuel-tracking technology to revolutionize the food supply chain in Ghana. It is also a testament to the spirit of collaboration and innovation that exists between the two sectors. By working together, the NPA and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture can create a win-win situation for the country and its people.
Source: Modern Ghana
