President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for Phase Two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery Project, marking a significant step in Ghana’s drive to strengthen its petroleum refining capacity, improve energy security, and position the country as a leading downstream oil and gas hub in West Africa.
The ceremony, held at the refinery site in Tema, was attended by senior government officials, executives of Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited, industry stakeholders, and representatives of the energy sector. President Mahama was joined by the company’s Executive Chairman in commissioning the next phase of the ambitious project.
Speaking at the event, President Mahama described the expansion as a strategic investment that aligns with the government’s vision of transforming Ghana into a major petroleum refining and distribution centre for the sub-region. He noted that increasing domestic refining capacity would help reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products while creating jobs and supporting industrial growth.
The President emphasised that the project would strengthen Ghana’s energy value chain by adding significant refining capacity, improving fuel supply reliability, and enhancing the country’s ability to meet growing domestic and regional demand for petroleum products.
Executives of Sentuo Oil Refinery said Phase Two will substantially expand the refinery’s operational capacity through the installation of modern processing facilities and advanced refining technology. The expansion is also expected to increase the production of diesel, petrol, aviation fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other petroleum products.
According to company officials, the project will create hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities during construction and operations while attracting additional investment into Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.
President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting investments that promote value addition, industrialisation, and economic diversification. He also encouraged stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to maximise the benefits of Ghana’s natural resources.
Energy analysts have welcomed the expansion, noting that increased refining capacity could reduce fuel import costs, improve energy resilience, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional supplier of refined petroleum products.
The sod-cutting ceremony represents another milestone in Ghana’s efforts to modernise its energy infrastructure and leverage the petroleum sector as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.
