For a long time, the contradiction between Ghana's crude oil production and dependence on fuel imports has been continuously highlighted, with fluctuations in international oil prices and shipping risks constantly impacting local energy supply. In order to overcome its external difficulties, Ghana is making every effort to promote the transformation and upgrading of its refining industry, relying on the support of Chinese capital and technology, and opening a new chapter in the expansion of local refining and chemical production capacity.

Refinery expansion and quality improvement

At the 2026 Ghana International Petroleum Conference, Ghana's Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdul Jinnapo, revealed that the region will focus on promoting two core refinery expansion projects. The Sentoo Refinery, built by China's Sentoo Group with an investment of 1.98 billion US dollars, is Ghana's first privately-owned refinery. It was officially put into operation in January 2024 and currently has a daily production capacity of 40000 barrels. The project will rely on a $200 million loan to complete the expansion, and the daily production capacity will be increased to 100000 barrels.

Empowering Regional Energy

Although Ghana produces crude oil year-round, it has long relied on imported refined oil products, and market fluctuations have forced the local government to issue fuel subsidies for eight consecutive weeks. To improve the current situation, the local government has allocated one million barrels of crude oil from the Jubilee oilfield to ensure refinery raw materials. The oilfield currently produces 95000 barrels of crude oil per day, and its natural gas production capacity is steadily increasing. Keywords: Empowered by Chinese Enterprises, Energy Upgrade in Ghana

After a comprehensive upgrade of the refining industry, Ghana is expected to achieve 70% self-sufficiency in fuel and break free from import constraints. This time, Chinese enterprises are assisting in the expansion of refineries, not only promoting the deep processing and transformation of Ghana's energy industry, but also helping it build a West African energy processing and trade center, driving the coordinated development of related industries in multiple regions.Editor/Min Jing