Ghana commissions first phase of Sentuo Oil Refinery project

Ghana has commissioned the first phase of the Sentuo Oil Refinery project. The country’s Head of State Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, led the commissioning ceremony in Tema.

The refinery is a US $1.98bn investment with a capacity of five million metric tonnes per year, equivalent to 100,000 barrels per stream a day. The operationalization of the plant will occur in two phases. The first phase will process up to two million metric tonnes per year, and later in phase two, it will be scaled up to the full capacity of five million metric tonnes per year.

READ:Morocco, Nigeria hold talks over gas pipeline project

Ghana’s objective 

The project aligns with the One district, One factory initiative and President Akufo-Addo’s vision for the country’s development. The government is supportive of the project and will consider proposals, such as sourcing at least one million barrels of crude oil from Ghana’s oil fields for the test run.

By reducing reliance on imported refined petroleum products, Ghana aims to mitigate economic challenges stemming from global fluctuations in oil prices and currency reserves drain. This move aligns with Ghana’s goal of securing its energy future and achieving greater control over prices and supply stability. The refinery is also expected to bloster employment opportunities and potentially stimulating economic growth in the region.

“By processing our crude oil domestically, we are creating opportunities to add value, transform raw materials into finished products, and increase the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector. This refinery stands as a good example of our “Ghana made” (Made-In-Ghana) initiative, where we prioritise local production for the benefit of Ghanaians,” said the President.