The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) of Ghana, led by Chief Executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., has completed a three-day working visit to Burkina Faso aimed at boosting energy collaboration, expanding petroleum transit, and positioning Ghana as a central hub for regional energy security.
Mr. Tameklo explained that the visit was crucial at a time when energy security across West Africa faces new strains.
With Côte d’Ivoire suspending electricity supply to Burkina Faso, Ghana’s role as a reliable partner in petroleum supply has become even more significant.
“Our discussions here reaffirm Ghana’s strategic position as a petroleum hub in the sub-region.
“We are working with our partners in Burkina Faso to ensure that trade flows are efficient, fair, and sustainable, while also addressing challenges such as smuggling and infrastructure deficits.”
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of NPA
During engagements at Ghana’s Embassy in Ouagadougou, conversations focused on how Ghana could leverage its existing infrastructure – including ports, depots, and storage facilities – to serve Burkina Faso and other landlocked neighbors more effectively.
The Embassy highlighted the urgency of curbing cross-border fuel smuggling, which undermines both countries’ energy revenues and security.
Deepening Cooperation with SONABHY
At the heart of the visit were talks with SONABHY, Burkina Faso’s state-owned oil company responsible for petroleum sourcing, storage, and distribution.
The NPA delegation toured SONABHY’s extensive network of depots, including Bingo, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Peni, which form the backbone of Burkina Faso’s energy infrastructure.
Executives from SONABHY expressed strong interest in channeling more petroleum imports through Ghana’s ports and storage depots.
Discussions also explored long-term infrastructure projects, including: “A pipeline from Ghana to Burkina Faso to ensure secure and cost-effective fuel transport, and a railway system to complement pipeline infrastructure and reduce logistics costs.”
Potential investment by SONABHY in Ghanaian storage infrastructure to secure long-term supply partnerships.
Mr. Tameklo welcomed these proposals, noting that the NPA is committed to creating a balanced system that works for all players in the supply chain.
“We are ready to support initiatives such as pipelines and storage investments.
“What is critical now is to take concrete steps so that these plans materialize into projects that transform our regional energy sector.”
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of NPA
He also highlighted the NPA’s efforts to ensure a fair laycan management system – the allocation process for vessels docking at Ghanaian ports – assuring SONABHY and other stakeholders of transparency in operations.
High-Level Government Engagement
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Mr. Serge Gnaniodem Poda, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Commerce, who welcomed Ghana’s outreach and reaffirmed his country’s desire to deepen ties.
“Burkina Faso considers Ghana a trusted partner and a preferred destination for its fuel-related activities.
“We look forward to building stronger collaboration that ensures energy security for our people.”
Mr. Serge Gnaniodem Poda, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Commerce
The NPA delegation was later taken on a guided tour of the Bingo storage terminal, LPG bottling plants, and project sites where Burkina Faso is expanding its fuel-handling capacity.
The visit marks a significant milestone in Ghana-Burkina Faso relations, setting the stage for transformative infrastructure projects that could reshape energy security in the region.
For Ghana, strengthening bilateral petroleum trade not only reinforces its ambition of becoming a regional petroleum hub, but also creates new revenue streams and deepens regional economic integration.
“This is more than just fuel exports.
“It is about building systems that guarantee energy reliability, create jobs, and foster stronger ties between Ghana and its neighbors.”
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of NPA
As both governments move forward, the coming months are expected to focus on feasibility studies, financing models, and regulatory frameworks for the proposed infrastructure projects.
If realized, the Ghana-Burkina Faso energy partnership could serve as a model for wider regional cooperation in West Africa.
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