NPA, COMAC launch Safety Week 2026 to champion safety excellence in downstream petroleum sector

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), in collaboration with the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), has officially launched Safety Week 2026, a four-day initiative designed to strengthen collaboration and reinforce health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) standards across Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

The event was inaugurated on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the GIMPA Executive Conference Centre. It brought together regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders under the theme: “Manage the Risk Before It Becomes an Incident.” The initiative aims to promote proactive risk management and foster a culture of safety across all levels of petroleum operations.

In his opening remarks, COMAC Board Chairman, Gabriel Kumi, emphasized the importance of a shared vision and collective responsibility in ensuring safety within the industry. He highlighted that achieving high safety standards requires strong cooperation among stakeholders and commended the NPA for its leadership role in coordinating sector-wide safety efforts.

The Chief Executive Officer of COMAC, Riverson Oppong, praised the NPA for its continued efforts in strengthening regulatory compliance, improving petroleum supply resilience, and enhancing operational efficiency. He encouraged industry players to work closely under the Authority’s guidance to further elevate safety performance and maintain high operational standards.

Delivering his address, the Chief Executive of the NPA, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, raised concerns about persistent safety challenges in the sector, particularly the rising number of fuel tanker accidents and the hazardous practice of fuel siphoning at accident scenes. He described these incidents as major threats to public safety and emphasized the urgent need for behavioral change and stricter enforcement.

Mr. Tameklo revealed that the NPA has intensified public safety awareness campaigns and is working in close partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, tanker driver unions, tanker owners, and the Ghana National Fire Service to tackle the issue of unqualified and inexperienced tanker drivers. These collaborative efforts are aimed at improving road safety, reducing accidents, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols across the petroleum transport chain.

He further reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to implementing proactive safety interventions to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure uninterrupted petroleum operations, especially in the face of global supply uncertainties and market fluctuations.

In a keynote address, the Minister of Energy, John Jinapor, commended the NPA for its leadership and dedication to safety. He called on industry players to integrate robust safety practices into their daily operations and to increase public education efforts. According to him, building a resilient and accountable downstream petroleum sector depends on consistent adherence to safety standards and heightened public awareness.

The event also featured presentations from key regulatory and industry bodies, including the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), and the Department of Factory Inspectorate. These presentations focused on regulatory compliance, the implementation of preventive safety systems, and the importance of sustained stakeholder collaboration.

As part of the opening day activities, participants witnessed a practical fire safety demonstration, which highlighted emergency response techniques and preparedness measures. This was followed by a panel discussion centered on building a proactive safety culture within the petroleum sector, emphasizing the role of leadership, training, and accountability.

Additionally, the NPA’s Director of Risk, Joseph Awen Awan, stressed the urgent need to bridge technical capacity gaps within the industry. He noted that effective safety management depends heavily on equipping personnel with the necessary skills and expertise to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks before they escalate into incidents.

Safety Week 2026 will continue over the coming days with a series of engagements, training sessions, and stakeholder discussions aimed at strengthening the industry’s commitment to safety excellence and long-term sustainability.