Ghana and Burkina Faso have taken another significant step toward strengthening regional energy security, as senior managers of Burkina Faso’s National Hydrocarbons Company (SONABHY) paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), in Accra.
The visit followed Mr. Tameklo’s three-day working trip to Burkina Faso earlier this year, which focused on boosting bilateral collaboration and positioning Ghana as a hub for cross-border petroleum trade.
The delegation was led by Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency David Kabre, alongside SONABHY’s Director General, Aime Wendpanga Nongkouni, and SONABHY’s representative in Ghana, Irenee Yanogo.
Ambassador Kabre praised Ghana’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, noting that the NPA’s leadership has helped smoothen petroleum trade arrangements.
“I specially want to thank the CEO of NPA for his support. If he doesn’t see me here often, it’s because we don’t have any issues. Since our first meeting, things have largely improved.”
His Excellency David Kabre, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana
Discussions centered on petroleum sourcing, storage, and transport, with special attention given to SONABHY’s ongoing collaboration with the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
SONABHY’s Director General, Mr. Nongkouni, also expressed satisfaction with progress made so far, particularly on TOR’s storage facilities and operational collaboration.
“We are here for two main reasons. First, to thank you for your last visit to Burkina Faso.
“Since then, we have seen a lot of support and are very satisfied. “Secondly, to brief you about our collaboration with TOR and our future plans.”
Aime Wendpanga Nongkouni, SONABHY’s Director General
He highlighted Burkina Faso’s strategic plans to expand energy infrastructure in Ghana, including an ambitious pipeline project.
“We are considering building a pipeline from the jetty to the Blue Ocean facility to increase supply volumes.
“This project is key to helping us achieve our target of raising SONABHY’s supply from 24% to 50%, and we will count on Ghana’s support.”
Aime Wendpanga Nongkouni, SONABHY’s Director General
Ghana Eyes Bigger Market Share
In response, Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed Ghana’s determination to capture a greater share of Burkina Faso’s petroleum imports and reduce its reliance on Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.
He explained that Ghana’s infrastructure improvements, including the Second CBM (Common Bulk Storage Facility) project, would allow the country to dedicate capacity solely to Burkina Faso.
“There is a plan to increase our market share from the current 26% to eventually capture the entire Burkina Faso market.
“With the Second CBM coming on stream, we may even dedicate the first CBM exclusively to SONABHY products.”
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of NPA
Mr. Tameklo further stated that the goal is to strengthen bilateral ties and position Ghana as Burkina Faso’s primary energy partner, emphasizing that with the right approach, Burkina Faso would rely on Ghana more than any other neighboring country.
He further disclosed that President Mahama had expressed keen interest in this collaboration, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s sub-regional energy landscape.
The NPA Chief Executive also emphasized the need for long-term infrastructure solutions, including the possibility of using railway systems to facilitate petroleum transport between the two countries.
“The President was pleased when I told him about SONABHY’s proposal to use rail as an alternative to pipelines.
“If we are able to get proper railway infrastructure from Kumasi to Tamale, and Tamale to Burkina Faso, transporting petroleum products will become far more efficient.”
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of NPA
Mutual Commitment to Regional Integration
SONABHY plays a vital role in Burkina Faso’s energy landscape, serving as the central agency responsible for the importation, storage, and distribution of petroleum products.
Its collaboration with Ghana is therefore crucial for ensuring uninterrupted supply and stabilizing regional markets.
The visit underscored the growing synergy between the two West African neighbors and highlighted their shared commitment to regional integration and energy security.
Both parties pledged to continue working together to expand storage facilities, improve transport infrastructure, and streamline cross-border trade.
By deepening energy ties, Ghana and Burkina Faso aim to strengthen not only their bilateral relationship but also the broader framework of sub-regional cooperation within ECOWAS.
“This partnership is about more than fuel. It is about trust, integration, and the vision of an Africa that builds its own solutions.
“Ghana is committed to this vision, and our relationship with Burkina Faso will continue to be an example of how collaboration can deliver real benefits to our citizens.”
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of NPA
With ambitious projects such as the proposed jetty-to-Blue Ocean pipeline, expanded TOR collaborations, and the possibility of future railway infrastructure, Ghana and Burkina Faso are positioning themselves at the center of a new era in sub-regional energy cooperation.
The visit to Accra reaffirms that both countries are not only ready to strengthen trade ties but also determined to build a more resilient and self-sufficient West African energy ecosystem.
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