The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has initiated a landmark partnership with Tamale Technical University (TaTU) aimed at strengthening petroleum marketing education and developing the next generation of professionals for Ghana’s downstream energy sector.
A high-level COMAC delegation, led by its Chief Executive Officer Dr. Riverson Oppong, and accompanied by the Chamber’s Head of Policy & Regulation, M. Issah, and Head of Research & Development, Samuel Wristberg, engaged in extensive discussions with Abdul-Fatahi Abubakari, a lecturer at TaTU. The meeting explored diverse avenues of collaboration, including:
- Student internships and industry attachments to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Guest lectures and workshops led by industry experts.
- Joint research projects addressing pressing challenges in petroleum marketing and logistics.
- Curriculum development support to align academic training with industry realities.
- Staff development programmes for lecturers to remain current with industry trends.
- Petroleum marketing competitions to nurture innovation and problem-solving among students.
Driving Local Content and Industry Excellence
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Oppong emphasized that the collaboration is part of COMAC’s broader mission to promote capacity-building and innovation in Ghana’s energy sector.
“This collaboration reflects COMAC’s commitment to advancing local content, driving industry excellence, and preparing the next generation of professionals for Ghana’s evolving energy landscape. We look forward to a strong partnership with Tamale Technical University to foster innovation, professionalism, and capacity-building,” he stated.
According to him, building stronger bridges between academia and industry is essential to sustaining the competitiveness of Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector, particularly at a time when the industry faces increasing regulatory, technological, and environmental demands.
A Future-Focused Petroleum Marketing Programme
On behalf of Tamale Technical University, Mr. Abubakari underscored the importance of the University’s newly introduced Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Marketing programme, describing it as the first of its kind in Ghana.
“The programme is uniquely designed to blend academic rigor with practical training in fuel marketing, pricing, supply chain logistics, compliance, and customer service. Our aim is to equip graduates with the industry knowledge and skills required to meet the growing demand for professionals in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector,” he explained.
He added that by working with COMAC, the University hopes to expose students to real industry challenges and best practices, ensuring graduates are work-ready and equipped to add value from day one.
Bridging Academia and Industry
The collaboration between COMAC and TaTU signals a new phase of cooperation between higher education and the energy industry in Ghana. While universities provide theoretical knowledge and research capabilities, industry partners like COMAC bring hands-on expertise, networks, and insights into evolving market dynamics.
Stakeholders believe that partnerships of this kind will not only enhance the employability of graduates but also provide companies with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to industry challenges.
For COMAC, the initiative aligns with its advocacy for stronger local participation in Ghana’s energy value chain. For Tamale Technical University, it reinforces its vision of becoming a leader in applied science and technology education with a strong industry orientation.
As Ghana’s energy sector navigates the twin challenges of ensuring efficiency in the petroleum downstream and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future, the role of well-trained, industry-ready professionals will be critical. The COMAC–TaTU partnership offers a promising pathway for building that human capital base
