The CEO of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), Dr Riverson Oppong, has criticised political interference in Ghana’s oil and gas industry, warning that it is stifling growth and efficiency.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, he stated, “One thing I find very difficult to appreciate is the level of political underpin in the professional sector. I believe it’s too much.”

He stated that political meddling often leads to poor decision-making and weakens the regulatory framework.

“Anytime you have that high difference in oil and gas business, you destroy the industry. And that’s what Ghana has witnessed over the years,” he lamented.

Dr Oppong compared Ghana’s situation to other countries where governments allow industry players to operate with minimal interference.

“Look at countries that allowed the industry players to play the game. They are doing amazingly well. But what’s our case here?” he questioned.

He suggested that capping the number of OMCs could be a step toward addressing these challenges.

“Let’s put a cap that we want 50 or 90,” he proposed, stressing the need for peer-to-peer dialogue to build consensus on such measures.

Dr Oppong disclosed that he had engaged with political leaders, including the flagbearers of the NDC and NPP, on this matter.

“When I met the flagbearer of NDC, I asked him, ‘This is the situation, when you come, what are you going to do?’ The same question was asked to NPP,” he said, adding that both parties suggested dialogue but have yet to take decisive action.

He called for urgent reforms to reduce political interference and restore integrity to the sector.

“If we don’t act now, we will continue to see the deterioration of a once-promising industry,” Dr. Oppong concluded.