The delivery of Jubilee crude oil to Sentuo Oil Refinery for local processing has been hailed as a major milestone in Ghana’s energy sector, with Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, describing the development as a transformative step toward industrialisation, energy security, and value addition.
Speaking at Sentuo Oil Refinery’s first-ever Jubilee Crude Oil Berthing Ceremony in Tema, the minister said the event signified a historic shift in Ghana’s petroleum industry by enabling locally produced crude oil to be refined within the country rather than exported for processing abroad.
According to him, the initiative aligns with government’s broader strategy of ensuring that Ghana derives greater economic benefits from its natural resources through domestic processing and industrial development.
“Today's achievement goes beyond a commercial transaction. It represents a deliberate national policy decision to deepen local value addition, strengthen energy security, promote industrialisation, and retain a greater share of the benefits derived from Ghana's petroleum resources within our economy.” - John Abdulai Jinapor
Driving Local Value Addition
Mr. Jinapor noted that for decades Ghana exported crude oil while depending heavily on imported refined petroleum products to meet domestic demand. He described that model as unsustainable and inconsistent with the country’s long-term development ambitions.
He recalled that operational challenges at the country’s only state-owned refinery had constrained local refining activities for nearly eight years, limiting Ghana’s ability to fully benefit from its petroleum resources.
“True economic transformation requires that we process, refine and add value to our resources locally. By doing so, we create jobs, build technical expertise, strengthen domestic industries, and generate greater economic benefits for our people.” - John Abdulai Jinapor
The minister stressed that investments in refining infrastructure would not only improve energy security but also strengthen local industries and support economic diversification.
Job Creation and Industrial Growth
Mr. Jinapor highlighted the employment opportunities being created by Sentuo Oil Refinery, pointing to the hundreds of workers currently engaged at the facility.
“If this refinery did not exist, many of these young men and women would still be searching for jobs or competing for limited opportunities elsewhere. This is why investments of this nature are critical to Ghana's economic future.” - John Abdulai Jinapor
He commended the management of Sentuo Oil Refinery for what he described as one of the most significant private sector investments in Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.
The minister disclosed that the refinery’s first phase, completed in 2024, has a processing capacity of 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Construction of a second phase is underway and is expected to add another 60,000 barrels daily.
Upon completion, the facility will be capable of refining 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
“The Sentuo Oil Refinery has emerged as one of the most significant private sector investments in Ghana's downstream industry.
"Once the second phase is completed, the refinery's total capacity will reach 100,000 barrels per day, significantly enhancing Ghana's refining capability.” - John Abdulai Jinapor
The Energy Minister also revealed that the Tema Oil Refinery has received one million barrels of crude oil for processing, signalling renewed efforts to revitalise domestic refining operations.
He expressed confidence that increased local refining capacity would significantly reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported petroleum products and improve the country’s resilience to global market disruptions.
According to him, recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have demonstrated the risks associated with excessive reliance on imported fuel, particularly in periods of supply uncertainty and price volatility.
“If Sentuo and Tema Oil Refinery operate at their full capacities, Ghana's reliance on imported refined petroleum products will reduce considerably.
"Ultimately, we have the potential to become an exporter of refined products rather than a major importer.” - John Abdulai Jinapor
Building a Resilient Energy Future
Mr. Jinapor credited the administration of President John Dramani Mahama for prioritising local participation and value addition within the petroleum sector.
He maintained that government remains committed to ensuring that Ghana’s natural resources contribute directly to industrial development, job creation, and national prosperity.
“We are on course to reset the economy and build a stronger and more resilient energy sector. Our objective is to ensure that Ghana derives maximum value from its natural resources while creating opportunities for businesses and citizens.” - John Abdulai Jinapor
Industry stakeholders believe the arrival of Jubilee crude oil at Sentuo Oil Refinery could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ghana’s petroleum industry, one defined by increased local refining, stronger energy security, and deeper integration between the energy sector and the broader economy.
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