Omanghana
Star Oil Ghana Limited has resumed its membership of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) after an eight-month suspension, while calling for changes to the industry body’s governance and board representation.
In a letter dated October 1, 2026, signed by Chief Executive Officer Philip Tieku, the company said its return reflected the need for a united industry voice in engagements with government and regulators. It nevertheless raised concerns about provisions that reserve permanent board seats for three founding members.
Star Oil suspended its membership in January 2026 following disagreements over the implementation of fuel price floor regulations. The company maintained that the policy distorted the market, restricted fair competition and prevented consumers from benefiting from lower fuel prices.
Its decision to return brings it back into the Chamber’s collective advocacy, but the company is seeking a leadership structure that gives the wider membership a fair opportunity to participate in decision-making.
Central to its proposals is the replacement of permanent board positions with seats subject to periodic renewal through transparent elections. Star Oil argued that this approach would strengthen accountability and encourage greater commitment among those entrusted with directing the Chamber’s affairs.
The company also questioned the level of participation by some members holding permanent seats. According to Star Oil, the failure to consistently send senior decision-makers to meetings undermines the Chamber’s effectiveness and delays responses to pressing challenges in the downstream petroleum sector.
Its concerns extend beyond representation to the ability of the board to make timely decisions. The company’s position is that those serving on the governing body should participate actively and have sufficient authority to contribute meaningfully to industry deliberations.
Star Oil’s return therefore comes with a renewed push for internal reform, combining support for collective industry engagement with a demand for a more representative and accountable COMAC leadership.
Source: Omanghana
