Ghana eyes cheaper fuel supply from Dangote as Nigeria strengthens hub status

By Adewale Sanyaolu

Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Tameklo, has said Nigeria continues to occupy a strategic position as a regional energy hub, noting that increased reliance on Nigeria’s refined petroleum products particularly from the Dangote Refinery, could significantly reduce fuel costs in Ghana.

Tameklo disclosed this during a panel session at the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES), where he spoke on the theme, “Driving Domestic Value: Transforming Downstream Market & Refining.”

According to him, closer regulatory alignment between Nigeria and Ghana would strengthen the sub-regional energy market and deepen economic cooperation. “Once we create a uniform regulatory architecture, we strongly believe that we can project the sub-region better,” he said.

Tameklo explained that Ghana’s refining capacity remains limited, with two major refineries and a small modular refinery producing about 5,000 to 6,000 barrels per day.

“In Ghana, once you mention 6,000 barrels in the context of Nigeria, that is considered a big refinery,” he noted.

He added that Ghana has historically relied on imports for both crude oil and refined petroleum products, positioning the country as a natural offtaker for Nigeria’s refining output.

“We have always relied on imports, both in terms of crude oil and refined products. I want you to believe that Ghana happens to be a great offtake for the Dangote Refinery,” Tameklo said.

He disclosed that Ghana has been engaging with President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to firmly position the country to lift refined petroleum products from Nigeria.

The NPA boss further noted that given the proximity between the two countries, a reasonable dependence on Nigeria’s refined products would help lower the cost of fuel delivered into Ghana.

“As a result, we are doing everything to build that relationship. But to do this, you also need uniform regulation and uniform economic performance,” he said.

“If the Ghana cedi is doing well and the Nigerian naira is underperforming, it will not bring the needed economic gain to our people.”

Tameklo said the NPA’s core responsibility is to ensure that Ghanaians have access to cheaper, affordable, and quality petroleum products.

“That is why we believe that a relationship with refineries like the Dangote Refinery, which have promised quality products for us, will ensure that we are not only adding value but also delivering affordable, cheaper, and quality products,” he stated.

He assured Nigeria of Ghana’s commitment to the partnership, describing the country as a ready and reliable market for Nigerian refined products.

“I do not think it will be much of an argument to say that Nigeria has firmly positioned itself as the energy hub of Africa,” he said.

“That position, I believe, Nigeria should not turn away from, but rather firm up issues of regulation so that the partnership can be one of cooperation and mutual benefit to both Ghana and Nigeria.”

On downstream regulation, Tameklo explained that Ghana avoids regulatory pricing for oil marketing companies, warning that such practices could wipe out players in the sector.

“What we do in Ghana is that we have a floor price below which you cannot sell, and the idea is to help position the industry and provide the needed regulatory support,” he said.

He warned that allowing companies to sell below cost as a market-penetration strategy could damage the industry.

“Once you allow people to sell below the right price, they will continue selling at low prices and that will wipe out competitors in the industry,” he said.

Tameklo added that Ghana’s experience with fuel pricing reforms offers lessons for regional cooperation.

“Our experience in 2015 was that government was providing subsidy, and we were not able to pay the subsidy on petrol on time. We had a situation where fuel stations were being crippled,” he said.

“To avoid that, we fully deregulated pricing to allow market forces to operate, and it has provided a robust and resilient downstream sector over the period.”

Headline Options

Nigeria Firmly Africa’s Energy Hub, Ghana to Lift Dangote Fuel – NPA

Ghana Eyes Cheaper Fuel Supply from Dangote as Nigeria Strengthens Hub Status

Why Ghana Is Betting on Dangote Refinery for Cheaper Fuel

Regional Energy Integration: Ghana Seeks Regulatory Alignment with Nigeria

Nigeria’s Refining Boom Cuts Fuel Cost for Ghana, Says NPA Boss

Pull-Out Quotes

“Ghana happens to be a great offtake for the Dangote Refinery.”

“Nigeria has firmly positioned itself as the energy hub of Africa.”

“Uniform regulation is critical if the partnership is to deliver mutual benefit.”

“Selling below the right price will wipe out competitors in the industry.”

“A reasonable dependence on Nigeria’s refined products will reduce fuel costs in Ghana.”