TEMA, GHANA — Chinese-owned Sentuo Group has started the second phase expansion of its oil refinery in Ghana, which will increase processing capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 barrels per day.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama says the expansion will strengthen the country’s ability to refine more of its crude oil locally instead of exporting raw crude and importing finished petroleum products.
President Mahama noted that increasing domestic refining capacity could reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported fuel, strengthen energy security and retain more value within the economy.
The Sentuo Oil Refinery, located in the Tema Industrial Area, began operations in 2024 and is part of the Chinese conglomerate Sentuo Group.
The expansion follows the refinery’s receipt of locally produced crude oil from Ghana’s Jubilee Field, marking an important step towards increasing the use of domestic crude for local processing.
Sentuo Group Executive Chairman Xu Ningquan says the second phase represents the company’s continued confidence in Ghana’s industrial development.
Mr Xu explained that the expansion is expected to strengthen the country’s petroleum value chain while supporting employment and related industries.
He said the company also sees opportunities for Ghana to strengthen its position as an energy and industrial hub serving markets beyond its borders.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor says expanding local refining capacity remains an important part of efforts to reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
The government is encouraging investments that enable more natural resources to be processed locally before being sold to domestic and international markets.
The Sentuo expansion forms part of growing industrial cooperation between Ghana and China, with Chinese companies operating in sectors including manufacturing, energy, construction and infrastructure.