China Throws Full Support Behind Ghana’s Energy Independence Drive

China has endorsed Ghana’s push toward energy self‑reliance, describing the country’s commitment to processing its natural resources locally as a decisive step toward industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the commissioning of Phase Two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery Project in Tema, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Cong Song praised the government’s plan to end raw mineral exports by 2030 and refine crude oil from the Jubilee Oil Field domestically. He said the strategy aligns with the shared goal of deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.

According to the Ambassador, Ghana’s determination to add value to its natural resources reflects a clear commitment to industrial upgrading and economic transformation. He noted that China’s support for Ghana’s energy agenda underscores the longstanding partnership between both countries in driving development through strategic investment.

“This commissioning represents not only a significant step forward in advancing Ghana's petrochemical industry but also stands as a symbol of Chinese enterprises' strong commitment to the industrialisation and modernisation of Ghana,” he stated.

The newly commissioned expansion increases the refinery’s processing capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day, significantly boosting Ghana’s ability to produce refined petroleum products locally. The project is expected to reduce dependence on imported fuel and reinforce national energy security.

Mr. Cong described the expansion as a major milestone for Ghana’s petrochemical sector and a testament to the confidence Chinese enterprises continue to place in the country’s industrial future. He expressed optimism that the refinery would strengthen Ghana’s petroleum value chain while opening new avenues for economic cooperation.

Beyond meeting domestic fuel needs, the expanded facility is expected to position Ghana as a leading petroleum refining hub in West Africa, supporting regional fuel supply and enhancing competitiveness within the sub‑region’s energy market.

The Ambassador added that the project builds on the strategic consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President John Dramani Mahama during their meeting in Beijing last October—a development that has accelerated bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

President Mahama attended the commissioning ceremony, which marks another significant investment in Ghana’s efforts to expand industrial capacity, strengthen energy resilience and promote value addition within the petroleum sector.

— CitiNewsRoom