The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), led by Chief Executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., completed a three-day working visit to Burkina Faso aimed at boosting bilateral energy collaboration and positioning Ghana as a hub for regional energy security.
The visit focused on expanding petroleum exports/transit to Burkina Faso, reviewing
SONABHY’s transit operations, and exploring future infrastructure projects, including pipelines, storage depots, and rail connections. The NPA delegation also engaged with Ghana’s Embassy in Ouagadougou, where discussions emphasized Ghana’s strategic role in West Africa’s energy landscape, particularly as Côte d’Ivoire has suspended electricity supply to Burkina Faso. The Embassy also raised the need to curb cross-border fuel smuggling and highlighted the importance of leveraging Ghana’s petroleum infrastructure for regional trade.
Talks with SONABHY, Burkina Faso’s state-owned oil company, centered on deepening cooperation in petroleum sourcing, storage, and transport. SONABHY showcased its network of depots at Bingo, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Peni, while expressing interest in channeling more imports through Ghana and investing in new infrastructure. Proposals on the table include a Ghana-to-Burkina Faso pipeline, a complementary railway system to enhance efficiency and a possible investment in storage infrastructure in Ghana by SONABHY.
The NPA Chief Executive reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to support such initiatives and emphasized the need for concrete steps to be taken to ensure these plans see the light of day. Mr Tameklo further highlighted measures being taken by the NPA to ensure the needs of all stakeholders in the supply chain, including SONABHY, are addressed in the management of a fair and balanced laycan management system.
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Burkina Faso’s Minister of Commerce Mr. Serge Gnaniodem PODA who expressed his gratitude to the NPA delegation for the visit. He explained that Burkina Faso was looking to deepening its relationship with Ghana as it deems the country as a reliable partner and preferred destination for its fuel related activities.
The delegation was taken on a tour of the Bingo storage terminal, LPG bottling plants and upcoming project sites.
This visit marks a significant step toward strengthening Ghana-Burkina Faso energy relations and further establishes Ghana as a reliable partner in ensuring regional energy security.
