The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors has moved to separate its members from a widening Office of the Special Prosecutor investigation into Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, urging restraint while calling on those under scrutiny to cooperate fully with investigators.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) clarified that petroleum tax matters currently in the public domain are “generally incidental” to the operations of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and do not directly implicate Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs), petroleum terminals, or refineries.
The statement follows court-authorised raids by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on five fuel depots this week, targeting Platon Oil and Gas Ltd, Sentuo Oil, Akwaaba Oil, Sahara Oil and Gas Ltd, and Chase Petroleum Ghana Ltd. The OSP has alleged under-declaration of petroleum imports, misclassification of fuel products, and systemic tax evasion, with preliminary findings suggesting possible collusion involving officials from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the National Security Secretariat (NSS).
The CBOD acknowledged the gravity of the situation and warned that premature public commentary risks inflicting serious and potentially irreversible reputational damage on companies with extensive local and international trading relationships, including those that may ultimately be cleared.
The Chamber urged all members and Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs) named in the investigation to cooperate without reservation. “We urge all stakeholders and the public to allow due process to take its course and to avoid premature conclusions that could have unintended consequences for businesses and the broader industry,” it stated.
CBOD reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the downstream petroleum sector and pledged full support to the OSP and other law enforcement agencies, including assistance in clarifying industry operations where needed.
