Most fuel retail outlets and refilling plants across the Volta Region and parts of the Greater Accra Region are meeting required safety and operational standards, according to findings from a recent mystery shopping audit by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
The audit, COMAC’s third in 2025 forms part of its ongoing initiative to promote transparency, safety, and service excellence within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The unannounced inspections were conducted across 100 retail stations in towns including Ho, Hohoe, Kpeve, Sogakope, Keta, and Ada. The audit team was led by COMAC CEO Dr. Riverson Oppong, Acting Head of Compliance and Operations Billey-Abdullah Al-Assad, and Compliance Officer Courage Agblevor.
According to Dr. Oppong, the surprise visits allowed the team to evaluate fuel stations under real-time operating conditions. “Some dispensers were found to be either over-delivering or under-delivering fuel,” he noted. “We’ll be reporting these anomalies to the NPA and Ghana Standards Authority for immediate action. Our goal is to safeguard both consumers and fuel marketers from malpractice.”
Despite a few discrepancies, Dr. Oppong praised the professionalism of front-line staff and the general adherence to safety protocols. He stressed that such consistency is vital to building public confidence in the petroleum industry.
The audit also uncovered feedback from fuel attendants on pricing challenges. “Some customers complain our prices are high because they see lower prices elsewhere,” one pump attendant said, pointing to persistent market pressures.
These mystery audits are part of COMAC’s broader risk-based compliance model aimed at improving operational efficiency and regulatory accountability across Ghana’s fuel retail sector.
Dr. Oppong said the Chamber remains committed to helping retail stations upgrade their systems and ensure long-term compliance.
