President commissions first phase of Sentuo Oil Refinery
President Nana Addo Akufo Addo has officially commissioned the first phase of the Sentuo Oil Refinery project in the Tema industrial enclave, expressing optimism that Ghana will soon reduce its reliance on foreign fuel for energy needs.
The $1.98 billion project, Ghana’s first private oil refinery, is a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards energy independence, industrialization, and economic prosperity.
The refinery, with a current capacity to refine 40,000 barrels of oil per day and process up to two million metric tonnes of crude per annum, is scalable to 100,000 barrels per day and five million metric tonnes per year upon completion of the second phase in 2025.
President Akufo Addo emphasized that the refinery would play a pivotal role in securing the country’s energy future and reducing dependence on external sources for fuel.
The President commended the Chinese management behind the project, highlighting the strong relationship between Ghana and the People’s Republic of China.
He praised the innovation and efforts of the Chinese management, underscoring their contribution to the industrialization agenda of the government.
President Akufo Addo envisioned that the refinery’s operations would not only provide petroleum products but also create jobs, empower local communities, drive investment in related industries, and contribute to the overall realization of the country’s industrialization agenda.
Processing crude oil domestically, he noted, would enhance value addition and increase the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.
The executive chairman of the Sentuo Group, Xu Ning Quan, expressed gratitude to the President and the government for creating an enabling environment for the private sector.
He believed the project would significantly contribute to Ghana’s energy sustainability and efficiency.
Minister of Energy, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, commended the Chinese conglomerate for their investments in the country.
He highlighted the ministry’s focus on supporting the downstream petroleum industry with an enabling energy sector policy, ensuring a consistent supply of energy and fuel.
Dr Opoku Prempeh urged industries to partner with the government as it embarks on an ambitious clean energy and net-zero future, aligning with the
The Sentuo Group, which has been present in Ghana since 2008, currently comprises six business sections including Sentuo Steel Limited, Fujian Sentuo Ceramic Tile Company Limited, Habilass Resources Company Limited, Sentuo Resources Recycling Limited, Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited and Sentuo Building Materials Complex and now hires more than 4500 local employees.
