Ghana Eyes Cheaper Fuel from Dangote Refinery as Nigeria Strengthens Its Status as Africa’s Energy Hub
Ghana is exploring ways to secure a more affordable fuel supply from Nigeria, leveraging the country’s growing position as a regional energy hub. Godwin Tameklo, CEO of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), highlighted during the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit that importing refined petroleum products from Nigeria, particularly from the Dangote Refinery, could significantly cut fuel costs for Ghanaians.
Tameklo emphasized that closer coordination between Nigeria and Ghana on energy regulations would deepen economic cooperation and stabilize the sub-regional market. “Once we create a uniform regulatory architecture, we strongly believe that we can project the sub-region better,” he said, underscoring the importance of a shared approach to pricing and industry standards.
With two major refineries and a small modular refinery producing just 5,000–6,000 barrels per day, Ghana’s refining capacity remains limited compared to Nigeria’s expansive operations. “In Ghana, once you mention 6,000 barrels in the context of Nigeria, that is considered a big refinery,” Tameklo noted. This reliance on imports positions Ghana as a natural offtaker of Nigeria’s refined petroleum products.
Ghana has been actively engaging the Dangote Group to secure a steady supply of quality refined products. Given the proximity of the two countries, Tameklo said that a measured dependence on Nigeria’s refined products would make fuel more affordable for Ghanaian consumers. “That is why we believe a relationship with refineries like the Dangote Refinery will ensure we deliver affordable, quality products,” he added.
Tameklo also shared insights from Ghana’s experience with fuel pricing reforms, warning against market practices like selling below cost, which could harm competition. Deregulation has allowed Ghana’s downstream sector to operate more robustly, and the NPA aims to apply these lessons to strengthen regional energy partnerships. “Uniform regulation is critical if the partnership is to deliver mutual benefit,” he said.
source: The sun