Sentuo refinery marks new industrial era for Ghana

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has described the Sentuo Oil Refinery in Tema as a landmark investment, ushering Ghana into a new industrial era.

Speaking at the First Jubilee Crude Oil Berth Ceremony on June 8, 2026, she said the refinery represents a decisive shift from raw material exports toward value addition, local production, and industrial expansion.

“We see you, we honor you, we thank you. You made a bold and visionary commitment—nearly $2 billion investment in Ghana at a time when many looked away,” she said.

She stressed that the refinery’s products will directly improve livelihoods and national development, particularly through energy and infrastructure supply.

“The LPG will offer cleaner cooking fuel for families. The asphalt will lay the very roads our nation needs to grow,” she noted.

According to her, the project extends far beyond oil refining, creating strong linkages across transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.

“Behind every barrel, every product, every linkage to transport and agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure, are Ghanaian workers, engineers and families whose lives will be better because this refinery exists,” she said.

She praised Sentuo Group for its substantial investment and confidence in Ghana’s economy, describing it as a bold and strategic commitment.

“Your conviction that Africa must stop exporting raw materials and begin owning its own value chain is not just a business philosophy. It is a patriotic act for this continent,” she stated.

She further assured investors of the government’s continued support in expanding downstream industries such as petrochemicals, fertilizers, plastics, and specialty inputs.

“We are committed to working with you on the next frontier—petrochemicals, fertilizers, plastics and specialty inputs that will deepen Ghana’s industrial base and reduce our dependence on imports,” she said.

The Minister also revealed ongoing plans for a fertilizer production facility following recent engagements with partners in China, describing it as part of efforts to boost agriculture and industrial productivity.

She emphasized that Ghana’s economic strategy is increasingly focused on import substitution to conserve foreign exchange and strengthen local industries.

Concluding her remarks, she said investments such as the Sentuo Refinery are redefining Ghana’s development path.

“Ghana does not just extract its wealth; Ghana builds with it,” she stated.