Accra, August 07, 2026 — Vivo Energy Ghana PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening safety, emergency preparedness and environmental protection across Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector as it marked its 2026 Safety Day and Awards in Accra.
Held at the Airport City Shell service station under the theme “Prepare to Respond,” the event brought together employees, regulators, industry leaders, business partners, transporters, retailers, media professionals and other stakeholders.
The celebration focused on strengthening safety leadership and ensuring that people, systems and processes are adequately prepared to prevent and respond to emergencies.
The emphasis comes against concerns within Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry over tanker accidents, fuel siphoning at accident scenes and the need for stronger safety practices across the transportation, storage and distribution of petroleum products.
Mr. Christian Li, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana
Vivo Energy Ghana said the annual Safety Day provides an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality (HSSEQ) while promoting vigilance, accountability and preparedness across its operations.
Safety requires preparation
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Christian Li, said safety must be deliberately built into the company’s operations rather than left to chance.
He said the company’s safety culture is guided by its core values of Safety, Excellence, Caring, Respect and Integrity, noting that Vivo Energy Ghana had achieved more than 5,600 Goal Zero days with zero harm.
“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,” Mr. Li said.
Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, EPA CEO
Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Special Guest of Honour, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, commended the company for its focus on safety and environmental stewardship.
She stressed that preparedness should extend beyond emergency response to include prevention, regulatory compliance, vigilance and environmental protection.
According to her, safety in the petroleum industry has wider implications for ecosystems, water resources, public health and communities located around petroleum operations.
“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,” she said.
Industry collaboration needed
Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Mr. Gabriel Kumi, also called for collective responsibility in strengthening safety management.
He said effective safety systems require strong leadership, robust procedures, continuous learning and commitment from all stakeholders across the petroleum value chain.
Group-picture-of-some-partners-contractors-and-employees-who-were-recognised-for-their-exceptional-commitment-to-Safety
“Safety remains a shared responsibility, and our actions, decisions, inactions, and preparedness can make a meaningful difference when situations demand a response,” he said.
A panel discussion involving representatives from the Ghana National Fire Service, COMAC, transporters and retailers examined ways of improving emergency preparedness and risk management across the downstream petroleum sector.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of effective communication, continuous training, strict adherence to safety procedures and collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Safety awards
The event also featured a Safety Awards ceremony recognising employees, transporters, contractors and retailers for their commitment to safety and operational discipline.
The award recipients were recognised for demonstrating vigilance, leadership and dedication to Vivo Energy Ghana’s Goal Zero ambition.
The company said the recognition forms part of its efforts to encourage a culture in which safety remains an everyday responsibility rather than an annual event.
Vivo Energy Ghana said it would continue working with employees, regulators, contractors, transporters, retailers and other partners to strengthen safety standards and emergency preparedness.
The company said its broader objective is to ensure that “everyone returns home safely at the end of each day”, while maintaining attention to environmental protection and operational excellence.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
