In a landmark move to transform its energy sector and position itself as a regional powerhouse, Ghana has officially launched the first phase of West Africa’s most ambitious downstream petroleum initiative a multibillion-dollar integrated petroleum hub. 

Unveiled at the Invest in African Energies, Accra Investor Briefing on April 14, the project aims to secure fuel stability across the region, lower petroleum costs, and boost local industrial capacity through phased development extending to 2036.

Spearheaded by the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, the project includes the construction of three state-of-the-art refineries and five petrochemical plants, with Phase One already underway. The current phase features a 300,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) refinery, a 90,000-bpd petrochemical plant, storage tanks, and marine port infrastructure.

“Our responsibility is to turn the state’s vision into reality,” said Dr. Toni Aubynn, CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation. “Ghana will be the first to establish a facility such as this. We are going to rely on investors to develop these important industries. Our target is local investors.”

The initiative signals a bold leap forward from Ghana’s current refining capacity, anchored by the Tema Oil Refinery, which has served the nation since 1963. While modernization of its units is ongoing, Managing Director Dr. Yussif Sulemana emphasized a pragmatic, phased approach: “Short-term, our strategy is to maximize existing assets. Medium- to long-term, we are looking at a partnership and strategic investment. We have a lot of investors interested and are looking for capital injection and expertise.”

Complementing refining and petrochemical ambitions is a strategic push in storage and distribution infrastructure. The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) company is upgrading inter-depot pipeline networks and fleet capacity, including a planned pipeline from Tema to the Accra Plains Depot.

“We plan to double our fleet of barges and introduce a pipeline from Tema to the Accra Plains Depot.” said Nana Amoasi VII, Technical Advisor to BOST. “We want to develop another storage facility and ensure that we use alternative fuels.”

But the heart of Ghana’s energy strategy isn’t just infrastructure it’s people. Kwaku Boateng, Director of Economics and Local Content at the Petroleum Commission, outlined Ghana’s determination to embed local businesses and workers at the core of this industrial rise. “At the Petroleum Commission, we have a strategy to ensure that across every petroleum activity, there is a Ghanaian  possibility. Ghanaian companies are strong partners to the international oil companies.”

Still, the challenge of workforce development looms large. David Pappoe, President of the African Energy Chamber in Ghana, called for united action between public and private players. “Without human capacity, technology and knowledge, you cannot compete. We want to drive collaboration across the African continent. Through collaboration, we will be on our way to ending energy poverty.”

The Accra briefing also served as a prelude to African Energy Week, Invest in African Energies, set for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town a pivotal platform for sealing deals and spotlighting Ghana’s new energy era.