Vivo Energy Ghana PLC, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana, commemorated its 2026 Safety Day and Awards. The event, held under the theme “Prepare to Respond,” took place at its Airport City Shell service station in Accra. This celebration brought together employees, regulators, industry leaders, business partners, and media to reinforce the company’s commitment to safety leadership, emergency preparedness, and operational excellence across its entire value chain.
Safety remains a critical priority within the global petroleum industry. Operators continuously manage complex operational risks associated with the transportation, storage, and distribution of petroleum products. In Ghana, recent industry discussions led by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) have highlighted ongoing concerns. These include tanker accidents, fuel siphoning at accident scenes, and the need for stronger safety practices across the downstream petroleum sector. These developments underscore the importance of proactive risk management, continuous training, and industry-wide collaboration to safeguard people and infrastructure.
This annual Safety Day provides Vivo Energy Ghana an opportunity to renew its focus on Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ). It also strengthens the culture of vigilance, accountability, and preparedness that underpins its operations. The 2026 theme, “Prepare to Respond,” specifically highlighted the importance of ensuring that people, systems, and processes are equipped to respond swiftly, effectively, and responsibly in an emergency. This aligns with Ghana's broader economic stability, which relies on the safe and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products.
Mr. Christian Li, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to embedding safety in every aspect of its operations. He noted that Vivo Energy Ghana’s strong safety culture is guided by its core values of Safety, Excellence, Caring, Respect, and Integrity. This commitment is reflected in the company’s achievement of over 5,600 Goal Zero days with zero harm. Mr. Li stated, “The future of safety will not be defined by luck, but by preparation. Safety does not happen by accident; it is deliberate, disciplined, and a collective responsibility.”
Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), delivered the keynote address. She commended Vivo Energy Ghana for demonstrating leadership in safety and environmental stewardship. Professor Klutse emphasized that preparedness must extend beyond emergency response to include prevention, compliance, vigilance, and environmental protection. This is particularly crucial in a sector whose operations significantly impact ecosystems, water resources, public health, and surrounding communities. She urged, “Preparing to respond means preparing to prevent. Together, by fostering a culture of compliance, vigilance and safety, we can protect our people, preserve our environment, and secure a sustainable future for the generations to come.”
Mr. Gabriel Kumi, Board Chairman of COMAC, applauded Vivo Energy Ghana for its continued efforts to strengthen safety standards and promote responsible industry practices. He observed that effective safety management requires strong leadership, robust systems, continuous learning, and a shared commitment from all stakeholders. Mr. Kumi noted, “Safety remains a shared responsibility, and our actions, decisions, inactions, and preparedness can make a meaningful difference when situations demand a response.” The ongoing focus on safety within the petroleum sector is vital for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring the smooth functioning of Ghana's energy supply chain.
The celebration featured a thought-provoking panel discussion with representatives from the Ghana National Fire Service, COMAC, transporters, and retailers. The discussion explored how stakeholders across the downstream petroleum value chain can strengthen emergency preparedness, improve risk management, enhance communication, and foster a proactive safety culture. Panellists shared practical experiences and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring a safer operating environment for all. This continuous dialogue is crucial for Ghana's economic resilience, as disruptions in the energy sector can have widespread impacts.