A Ghanaian businessman, Edmund Barwuah, is locked in a GH₵2.5 million legal battle with Vivo Energy Ghana Limited, operators of the Shell brand, over the alleged sale of contaminated petrol that severely damaged his vehicle and disrupted his business activities.
The case, currently before the Accra High Court, stems from an incident on August 28, 2022, when Mr. Barwuah purchased petrol from the Atimpoku Shell Filling Station in the Eastern Region. Shortly after refuelling, his 2017 Ford Explorer reportedly began to jolt violently while in motion, eventually stalling and placing him and a passenger in a dangerous road situation.
According to the plaintiff, subsequent checks revealed that the fuel sold to him was mixed with water, causing extensive engine damage. During court proceedings, a defence witness admitted under cross-examination that the petrol dispensed on the day in question was indeed contaminated with water.
Mr. Barwuah alleges that despite being alerted to the problem, the filling station continued selling the affected fuel, an action he describes as reckless and negligent. He argues that the incident not only destroyed his vehicle’s engine but also resulted in significant business losses due to his inability to operate normally.
In his suit, the businessman is seeking GH₵2.5 million in special damages, a replacement vehicle of equivalent specification, and daily compensation of GH₵600 for loss of use of the vehicle from the date of the incident until a replacement is provided.
Following the incident, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) temporarily shut down the Atimpoku Shell station to investigate. The station was later reopened after the contaminated fuel was removed and corrective measures were implemented. Vivo Energy Ghana has previously attributed the contamination to heavy rainfall, which allegedly allowed water to seep into underground storage tanks, and has issued an apology to affected customers.
The trial is ongoing, with further proceedings expected as the court determines liability and possible compensation.
