The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr. Riverson Oppong, has underscored the need for proactive risk management in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, as the 2026 COMAC Safety Week officially commenced on April 7.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, Dr. Oppong described the annual event as a critical platform for reflection, engagement, and renewed commitment to safety standards within the industry. He noted that this year’s theme, “Managing Risk Before It Becomes an Incident,” serves as a timely call to action for all stakeholders.
He emphasised that while the downstream petroleum sector remains vital to Ghana’s economy—powering transport, commerce, industry, and households—it also carries inherent risks that must be managed with utmost vigilance.
“The risks associated with our operations are real; therefore, safety must remain a non-negotiable priority,” he stated, adding that preventing incidents requires discipline, strong systems, effective leadership, and a culture that prioritises prevention over reaction.
Dr. Oppong further stressed that safety should not be treated as a periodic obligation or mere regulatory requirement but must be embedded in everyday operations, planning, and leadership across the sector. According to him, prioritising safety not only protects lives but also preserves assets, safeguards the environment, and strengthens public confidence.
The COMAC CEO highlighted the importance of collaboration among industry players, regulators, emergency responders, and policymakers in building a more resilient petroleum sector.
As part of ongoing industry initiatives, he announced that the Chamber is calling for nominations of eligible retail outlets in the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Western, and Northern regions to participate in a 24-hour pilot programme being implemented in partnership with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). The initiative forms part of the government’s 24-hour economy agenda and aims to enhance service delivery, improve supply chain efficiency, and create jobs, subject to strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
Dr. Oppong urged members to submit nominations promptly, providing detailed information on operations and compliance, and to liaise with their Membership Development Managers for further guidance.
He also expressed appreciation to key sponsors, including Gaso Petroleum, Universal Engineering and Consultancy Services Limited, UGMC, ED Consults, Xpress Gas, J & B Global Liftings Ltd, and Reliance Oil, for their continued support toward advancing safety in the sector.
The four-day event is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the energy value chain to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce a collective commitment to preventing incidents before they occur.
Participants have been encouraged to actively engage in discussions and leave the programme better equipped to identify and manage risks, as the industry works toward building a stronger culture of safety.
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