A delegation from Chevron International, accompanied by representatives of its Moroccan partner Afriquia, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr. Riverson Oppong, to discuss potential collaboration within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The delegation comprised Mr. Renaud Van der Haegen, Distributor Manager for Chevron Europe; Mr. Yassine Bennaoui, Export Manager at Afriquia; and Mr. Ayoub Barakat, Regional Export Manager at Afriquia.
Discussions centred on stakeholder engagement and the importance of working with credible industry partners to enhance standards, safety and operational efficiency in Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry. Dr. Oppong welcomed the team and emphasized the critical role of strong partnerships in promoting best practices and driving sustainable sector growth.
Afriquia and AKWA Group Profile
Afriquia has operated in Morocco’s hydrocarbons market for over 60 years and commands more than 39 percent market share, supported by a network of over 530 service stations nationwide. The company maintains the largest safety stock capacity in Morocco, with approximately 980,000 cubic metres of storage, reinforcing its supply security and operational strength.
In 2006, Afriquia Lubricants Morocco was established through a strategic partnership between AKWA Group and Chevron. The joint venture combines Chevron’s global expertise in lubricant technology with Afriquia’s extensive distribution network. Now jointly owned on a 50–50 basis, Afriquia Lubricants exports products to 14 countries across North and West Africa.
AKWA Group, Afriquia’s parent company, has diversified over the past decade and a half beyond hydrocarbons into sectors such as gases, fluids, development and real estate. The Group comprises approximately 50 companies and 20 brands and is regarded as a leading energy conglomerate in Morocco.
Chevron’s Global Footprint
Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, operating in more than 180 countries across the oil and gas value chain, including exploration, production, refining, marketing and power generation. The company also invests in emerging energy technologies, including biofuels and renewable energy solutions.
COMAC’s Growing Influence
Under the leadership of Dr. Riverson Oppong, who also serves as SPE Africa Regional Director, COMAC formerly known as the Association of Oil Marketing Companies has strengthened its role as the leading advocacy body and knowledge hub for Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The Chamber has partnered with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to support price deregulation and combat fuel smuggling and adulteration, while also collaborating with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to improve tax compliance processes.
Among its recent milestones is the introduction of the Downstream Dialogue, a flagship industry forum launched in 2025 that brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on sector challenges and opportunities. The initiative culminated in the publication of the Downstream Dialogue White Paper, now regarded as a strategic reference document for the industry.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen engagement and explore mutually beneficial opportunities to advance Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
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