Paragraph 1: Strengthening Cross-Border Petroleum Trade and Energy Security
Managers from Burkina Faso’s National Hydrocarbons Company (SONABHY) visited the Chief Executive of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to reinforce cross-border petroleum trade and bolster sub-regional energy security. This visit, occurring on September 17, 2025, followed a recent three-day working visit by the NPA Chief Executive to Burkina Faso, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation and establish Ghana as a regional energy security hub. The Burkinabe delegation, led by their Ambassador to Ghana, included SONABHY’s Director General and their representative in Ghana. Discussions focused on petroleum sourcing, storage, and transport, along with SONABHY’s ongoing collaboration with Ghana’s Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
Paragraph 2: Expressions of Gratitude and Satisfaction
The Burkina Faso Ambassador to Ghana expressed gratitude for the NPA CEO’s support, highlighting the significant improvements in their relationship since their initial engagement. He noted the absence of issues as a testament to the effective collaboration. The Director General of SONABHY echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction with the burgeoning relationship with the NPA. He provided an update on SONABHY’s ongoing plans with TOR, which include enhancing storage arrangements and exploring potential infrastructure projects within Ghana.
Paragraph 3: Burkina Faso’s Strategic Objectives and Infrastructure Plans
SONABHY’s Director General articulated Burkina Faso’s ambition to significantly increase its petroleum supply volumes from the current 24% to 50%, a goal strongly supported by their head of state. A key component of this strategy involves constructing a pipeline from the jetty to the Blue Ocean facility in Ghana. This pipeline would facilitate direct receipt of petroleum products, thereby contributing to the targeted volume increase. Burkina Faso seeks Ghana’s and the NPA’s support in realizing this infrastructural project.
Paragraph 4: Ghana’s Commitment and Vision for Bilateral Cooperation
The NPA Chief Executive reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with Burkina Faso. He underscored Ghana’s determination to capture a larger share of Burkina Faso’s petroleum imports, aiming to ultimately secure the entire market. This ambition includes potentially dedicating the first CBM (Crude, Condensates and Natural Gas Liquids Bulk Metering System) solely to SONABHY products, effectively redirecting imports from Cote D’Ivoire and Togo to create an exclusive Ghana-Burkina Faso petroleum trade relationship. This strategic move aligns with Ghana’s broader objective of deepening bilateral ties and fostering a stronger reliance on Ghana for Burkina Faso’s energy needs.
Paragraph 5: Exploring Short, Medium, and Long-Term Solutions for Efficient Distribution
The NPA Chief Executive outlined Ghana’s commitment to exploring various solutions for efficient petroleum product distribution between the two nations. These include short-term measures, medium-term strategies, and long-term infrastructure development. He referenced discussions with Ghana’s president regarding the potential use of rail transport as an alternative to pipeline infrastructure, particularly for routes from Kumasi to Tamale and onward to Burkina Faso. This railway infrastructure, if developed, would streamline product transportation and enhance the overall efficiency of the supply chain.
Paragraph 6: Significance of Collaboration and Regional Integration
SONABHY holds a crucial role in Burkina Faso’s energy sector, making its collaboration with Ghana vital for ensuring a sustainable petroleum supply, improving storage capabilities, and promoting regional integration. This visit solidified the mutual commitment of both nations to strengthen energy cooperation. Both sides pledged to collaborate on boosting cross-border trade, enhancing infrastructure, and advancing sub-regional energy security for the mutual benefit of their citizens. This partnership reflects a shared vision of regional stability and economic prosperity driven by collaborative energy solutions.
