Vivo Energy Ghana PLC, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana, has commemorated its 2026 Safety Day and Awards under the theme, “Prepare to Respond,” at its Airport City Shell service station in Accra.
The event brought together employees, regulators, industry leaders, business partners, members of the media and other key stakeholders to reinforce the company’s commitment to safety leadership, emergency preparedness, and operational excellence across its value chain.
Across the global petroleum industry, safety remains a critical priority as operators continue to manage complex operational risks associated with the transportation, storage, and distribution of petroleum products. In Ghana, recent industry engagements led by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) have highlighted ongoing concerns around tanker accidents, fuel siphoning at accident scenes, and the need for stronger safety practices across the downstream petroleum sector. These developments have reinforced the importance of proactive risk management, continuous training, and industry-wide collaboration in safeguarding people and infrastructure.
Safety Day serves as an annual opportunity for Vivo Energy Ghana to renew its focus on Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ), while strengthening the culture of vigilance, accountability, and preparedness that underpins its operations.
This year’s theme, “Prepare to Respond,” highlighted the importance of ensuring that people, systems, and processes are equipped to respond swiftly, effectively, and responsibly in the event of an emergency.
Speaking at the event, 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, and reflected in the company’s achievement of over 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 stated.
Delivering the keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), commended Vivo Energy Ghana for demonstrating leadership in safety and environmental stewardship. She emphasised that preparedness must extend beyond emergency response to include prevention, compliance, vigilance, and environmental protection, particularly within a sector whose operations have significant implications for ecosystems, water resources, public health, and surrounding communities.
“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.
In a goodwill message, 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.
“Safety remains a shared responsibility, and our actions, decisions, inactions, and preparedness can make a meaningful difference when situations demand a response,” he noted.
At the heart of the celebration was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring 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 continuous training, strict adherence to safety procedures, and collaborative action in preventing incidents and responding effectively when they occur.
A key highlight of the event was the Safety Awards ceremony, which recognised outstanding employees, transporters, contractors and retailers who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to safety and operational discipline. The awards celebrated individuals and teams whose vigilance, leadership, and dedication continue to support Vivo Energy Ghana’s Goal Zero ambition and contribute to the company’s strong safety culture.
Through the 2026 Safety Day and Awards celebration, Vivo Energy Ghana once again demonstrated that safety is not simply a one-day activity, but a continuous commitment embedded in every aspect of its operations.
With a vision to be Africa’s leading and most respected energy business, Vivo Energy Ghana remains committed to working closely with employees, regulators, partners, contractors, retailers, and transporters to strengthen safety standards, promote emergency preparedness, and ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of each day.
