President Mahama to cut sod for phase II of Sentuo Oil Refinery project on June 24

President John Dramani Mahama is expected to perform the official sod-cutting ceremony for Phase II of the Sentuo Oil Refinery Project on June 24, 2026, in what is being described as a landmark step towards transforming Ghana into one of Africa’s leading petroleum refining and trading centres.

The announcement was made during the reception of Ghana’s first-ever cargo of Jubilee Crude Oil for processing at the Sentuo Oil Refinery, an event industry stakeholders have hailed as a major milestone in the country’s industrial and energy development agenda.

Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Chairman of Sentuo Oil Refinery, Ningquan Xu, described the commencement of local crude refining as a historic achievement that signals Ghana’s transition from a raw commodity exporter to a value-adding industrial economy.

According to him, the refinery’s expansion represents a significant opportunity to create jobs, enhance energy security, and drive long-term economic growth.

Under Phase II, Sentuo’s refining capacity will increase from 40,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day, positioning Ghana as a strategic refining and petroleum distribution hub for West Africa and the wider Sahel region.

The expansion is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across sectors including engineering, construction, logistics, transportation, and petroleum services.

Beyond the refinery expansion, Sentuo management has also highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements within the Tema Heavy Industrial Area, particularly the construction of durable concrete roads to support growing industrial activity.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, Mr. Xu appealed to the Government of Ghana to prioritize the development of modern concrete road networks stretching from the VALCO Roundabout through the Tema Heavy Industrial Enclave.

He noted that the existing road infrastructure is under increasing pressure from heavy-duty industrial traffic, including fuel tankers, cargo trucks, mining equipment transporters, and manufacturing vehicles operating daily within the industrial zone.

According to refinery officials, upgrading the road network would significantly improve transportation efficiency, reduce operational costs, strengthen investor confidence, and enhance productivity across one of Ghana’s most important industrial corridors.

Industry experts have also emphasized that while investments in refineries, ports, and factories are essential, sustainable industrial growth depends equally on reliable infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale industrial operations.

The Tema Heavy Industrial Area remains home to several strategic businesses operating in manufacturing, energy, logistics, mining, and export sectors. Stakeholders believe improved road infrastructure could unlock substantial economic opportunities, reduce maintenance costs, and increase the competitiveness of businesses operating in the enclave.

With President Mahama set to officially launch the refinery’s second phase later this month, industry observers say the project presents an opportunity to advance a broader vision of transforming Tema into a world-class industrial city and a key driver of Ghana’s economic growth.

As Ghana moves toward refining up to 100,000 barrels of crude oil daily, discussions surrounding the project are increasingly focusing not only on energy production but also on the infrastructure and industrial development needed to support the country’s ambition of becoming West Africa’s leading energy and manufacturing hub.