China has reaffirmed its support for Ghana’s ambition to achieve energy self reliance, describing the country’s commitment to processing its natural resources locally as a critical driver of industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the commissioning of Phase Two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery Project in Tema, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Cong Song, praised the government’s vision to end raw mineral exports by 2030 and refine crude oil from the Jubilee Oil Field within Ghana.
According to the Ambassador, the strategy reflects a shared commitment between Ghana and China to deepen economic cooperation while promoting value addition and industrial transformation.
“This commissioning represents not only a significant step forward in advancing Ghana’s petrochemical industry but also stands as a symbol of Chinese enterprises’ strong commitment to the industrialisation and modernisation of Ghana.” - Mr. Cong
Refinery Expansion to Boost Local Fuel Production
The newly commissioned expansion increases the Sentuo Oil Refinery’s processing capacity from 40,000 barrels to 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day, significantly enhancing Ghana’s ability to refine petroleum products locally.
The project is expected to reduce the country’s dependence on imported refined fuel, strengthen energy security and improve the resilience of Ghana’s petroleum sector.
Mr. Cong described the expansion as a major milestone for the country’s petrochemical industry and a demonstration of the confidence Chinese investors continue to place in Ghana’s economic future.
He expressed optimism that the project would strengthen the nation’s petroleum value chain while creating new opportunities for investment, trade and technical cooperation between Ghana and China.
Supporting Regional Energy Leadership
Beyond satisfying domestic fuel demand, the expanded refinery is expected to position Ghana as a leading petroleum refining hub in West Africa, supplying refined products to neighbouring countries and enhancing the country’s competitiveness within the regional energy market.
The Ambassador noted that the project builds on the strategic understanding reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President John Dramani Mahama during their meeting in Beijing in October last year, which has accelerated bilateral cooperation across several sectors.
President Mahama attended the commissioning ceremony, describing the refinery expansion as another important step towards strengthening Ghana’s industrial base, promoting value addition and advancing the country’s long term energy security agenda.
The project is also expected to contribute to job creation, technology transfer and increased investment as Ghana pursues its broader goal of becoming a regional centre for petroleum refining and downstream industrial development.
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