Ghana has commenced construction of West Africa’s first integrated petroleum hub, a strategic initiative aimed at reducing reliance on imported fuel, lowering energy costs, and strengthening regional energy resilience.
The project, announced at the Invest in African Energies: Accra Investor Briefing on April 14, will unfold in three phases through 2036, with initial work already underway. Key infrastructure includes a 300,000-barrel-per-day refinery, a 90,000-barrel petrochemical plant, storage terminals, and upgraded port facilities to streamline regional trade.
Dr. Toni Aubynn, CEO of the state-owned Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, described the hub as pivotal to Ghana’s economic ambitions. “Our mandate is to transform national goals into reality by building three refineries and five petrochemical plants through partnerships with investors,” he said, underscoring a focus on engaging domestic financiers. The initiative seeks to curb Ghana’s dependence on foreign-refined petroleum, a persistent challenge for the oil-producing nation.
Central to this effort is the modernization of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Ghana’s sole operational refining facility. Established in 1963, TOR has faced operational hurdles due to aging infrastructure but is now slated for upgrades. Managing Director Dr. Yussif Sulemana outlined plans to optimize existing assets while pursuing private-sector collaborations. “Investor interest is robust,” he noted. “We aim to secure capital and technical expertise to ensure sustainable growth.”
Storage and logistics upgrades are also critical. The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) plans to expand its barge fleet and pipeline network to improve fuel distribution. Technical Advisor Nana Amoasi VII highlighted plans for new storage depots and a shift toward alternative energy sources, aligning with global decarbonization trends.
Local content remains a priority, with Kwaku Boateng of the Petroleum Commission emphasizing policies to ensure Ghanaian participation across all petroleum activities. However, industry leaders like David Pappoe of the African Energy Chamber warn that skills gaps could slow progress. “Building technical and technological capacity is essential for competitiveness,” he said, advocating for regional collaboration to address energy poverty.
The Accra event preceded September’s African Energy Week in Cape Town, where further partnerships are expected. Ghana’s petroleum hub reflects its broader ambition to lead West Africa’s energy transition, balancing infrastructure development with equitable growth. As global energy dynamics shift, the project could serve as a model for resource-rich economies seeking to convert natural assets into sustainable energy security, though its success hinges on sustained investment and local capacity-building.
