Star Oil Ghana Limited has announced its return to the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) after a brief suspension, but with a significant condition. In a letter dated October 1, 2026, the company's Chief Executive Officer, Philip Tieku, expressed concerns about the Chamber's constitution, which guarantees board representation to three founding oil marketing companies. Star Oil argues that this arrangement no longer reflects the realities of Ghana's downstream petroleum sector.
The company credits the founding companies with building the Chamber but contends that guaranteeing board seats based on historical status alone is out of step with a modern industry body. Star Oil states that the downstream petroleum industry has undergone significant changes over the years, with the relative size, market share, investment, and contribution of individual oil marketing companies evolving considerably. This shift has led to an uneven distribution of influence within the Chamber.
Star Oil's proposal seeks to address the issue of concentrated influence in the hands of a few founding members. The company argues that the current structure limits the chance for other members to participate in leading the Chamber. Furthermore, Star Oil notes that some permanent board members do not consistently send their top decision-makers to board meetings, weakening decision-making and slowing the Chamber's response to pressing industry issues.
As an alternative, Star Oil proposes a transparent and democratic process for selecting board members, with seats subject to periodic renewal. This approach aims to boost participation, accountability, and commitment across the membership. By doing so, Star Oil hopes to make COMAC more representative, responsive, and effective in engaging regulators, government, and other stakeholders.
Star Oil's return to COMAC follows consultations with oil marketing companies and other stakeholders, as well as appeals from fellow COMAC members. The company believes that the industry needs a strong collective voice to address common challenges. Star Oil's commitment to working with other members to reform COMAC's leadership structure is seen as a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and effective industry body.
The governance challenge posed by Star Oil comes at a critical time for COMAC. The Chamber's response to the proposal will likely shape the next phase of its relationship with Star Oil and other members. If accepted, the proposed changes could lead to a more representative and dynamic leadership structure, better equipped to address the evolving needs of Ghana's downstream petroleum sector.
The outcome of this development will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, as it has implications for the future of COMAC and the oil marketing companies operating in Ghana. A successful reform of COMAC's leadership structure could serve as a model for other industry bodies in the region.
Key points
- Star Oil Ghana Limited calls for an end to permanent board seats held by founding members of COMAC.
- The company proposes a transparent and democratic process for selecting board members.
- Star Oil's return to COMAC is contingent on its commitment to reforming the Chamber's leadership structure.
