The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., has praised Sentuo Oil Refinery for its growing contribution to Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, describing the facility as a transformative investment that is reshaping the country’s energy landscape.
Mr. Tameklo made the remarks during a working visit to the Sentuo Oil Refinery, where he led a delegation from the NPA as part of a nationwide familiarisation tour of petroleum installations. The tour is aimed at deepening regulatory engagement with industry players while supporting sustainable growth within the sector.
“The decision by Sentuo to put up a refinery for me is a game changer. “For over 60 years, we have always relied on one major refinery.”
Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive of NPA
According to him, Sentuo’s operations over the past six months have provided clear evidence of the benefits of increased private sector participation in refining.
He added that the refinery’s performance has enhanced competition, strengthened supply reliability, and contributed to greater resilience in the downstream petroleum market.
Regulatory Support Balanced with Oversight
Mr. Tameklo assured Sentuo of the NPA’s commitment to supporting its operations while maintaining strong regulatory oversight. He explained that protecting investor confidence remains a core responsibility of the Authority.
“As a regulator, we need to first ensure that we help you protect your investments,” he said, adding that Sentuo’s decision to invest in Ghana “requires that we protect that investment, and that is important to us.”
At the same time, he was clear that regulatory standards would not be compromised. He emphasised that investment protection goes hand in hand with strict compliance, particularly in areas of health, safety and environmental management.
“The things that are important to us are to ensure that your factory meets international standards. Issues about health, the environment and safety must be given top priority.
“We will ensure the investment is worthwhile, but you must also help us as regulators to ensure compliance is achieved.”
Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive of NPA
Sentuo Reaffirms Commitment to Compliance
In response, Group Chairman of Sentuo Oil Refinery, Mr. Ningguan Xu, expressed appreciation to the NPA for the visit and the Authority’s ongoing engagement with the company.
“Sentuo Oil Refinery remains fully committed to complying with all labour laws in Ghana and adhering strictly to international health, safety, and environmental standards.”
Mr. Ningguan Xu, Group Chairman of Sentuo Oil Refinery
He added that the company will continue to provide proper working conditions for its employees to boost efficiency and productivity.
Mr. Xu noted that regulatory compliance is not only a requirement but also a core part of Sentuo’s operational philosophy, aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and safety.
Beyond compliance, the Sentuo chairman highlighted the refinery’s strong emphasis on local content and capacity building. He revealed that the company has already made significant progress in integrating Ghanaian workers into its steel operations and plans to replicate that model within the refinery.
“We are deliberately integrating and training local staff,” he explained, adding that local personnel are being positioned as intermediaries to bridge language barriers and ensure all documentation and operational processes meet regulatory standards.
This approach, he said, is intended to build technical capacity among Ghanaians while strengthening operational efficiency and compliance.
Scholarship Scheme to Build Future Talent
Mr. Xu also disclosed plans to collaborate with relevant institutions to establish a scholarship scheme aimed at training university students for careers in the petroleum sector. The initiative forms part of Sentuo’s long-term commitment to human capital development in Ghana.
By investing in education and skills training, Sentuo hopes to contribute to the development of a skilled local workforce capable of supporting the country’s expanding energy infrastructure.
The NPA’s working visit to Sentuo Oil Refinery underscores the Authority’s broader commitment to promoting a well-regulated, competitive and sustainable downstream petroleum sector.
Through regular engagement with industry players, the NPA aims to provide regulatory support while enforcing standards that ensure safety, environmental protection and investment security.
As Ghana continues to expand its downstream capacity, partnerships between regulators and operators such as Sentuo are expected to play a critical role in strengthening energy security, attracting investment and supporting long-term growth in the petroleum industry.
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