Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Burkina Faso’s National Hydrocarbons Company (Sonabhy) are exploring ways to strengthen their partnership as petroleum trade through Ghana now accounts for 40% of Burkina Faso’s national consumption, up from about 15% in 2024.
The development was highlighted during a management visit by a Sonabhy delegation to TOR’s Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, as the two institutions discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in the petroleum industry.
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, to express appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the government of Ghana for their support for the movement, trading and supply of petroleum products to Burkina Faso.
During the meeting, Mr. Kombat underscored the longstanding relationship between TOR and Sonabhy, noting its role in facilitating petroleum trade through Ghana to markets served by the Burkinabè company.
He said the increase in the share of Burkina Faso’s petroleum consumption supplied through Ghana, from approximately 15% to 40% since President Mahama returned to office in 2024, demonstrated the value of sustained institutional collaboration.
According to Mr Kombat, the growing trade reinforces Ghana’s position as a strategic petroleum supply and trading hub in West Africa, while creating opportunities to expand cross-border commerce and strengthen regional partnerships.
For TOR, the engagement provides an opportunity to explore new markets, support its business objectives and strengthen its role in the West African petroleum value chain.
Sonabhy Managing Director Dr. Patrice Forogo expressed appreciation for the growing collaboration and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening petroleum trade through Ghana.
He also expressed optimism about future cooperation that could generate additional revenue for both institutions through mutually agreed petroleum transactions and services.
Dr Forogo congratulated Mr. Kombat on his appointment as TOR’s Managing Director and wished him success in fulfilling his mandate.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation among petroleum industry players in improving product supply arrangements, strengthening commercial relationships and supporting regional energy security.
The visit concluded with a tour of key sections of the refinery, including the utilities, tank farm, new safety block, quality control facilities and the F-61 furnace at the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU).
The tour gave the delegation an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into TOR’s operations, infrastructure and ongoing development activities.
