Burkina Faso’s National Hydrocarbons Company (SONABHY) is set to enhance its fuel security by tapping into the extensive petroleum supply chain infrastructure of Ghana’s Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST). This strengthened partnership aims to streamline the movement of petroleum products from Ghana to Burkina Faso using BOST’s well-integrated logistics network, including pipelines, river transport, bulk road vehicles, and strategically located storage terminals.
At a recent high-level meeting in Accra, the two state-owned entities reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, with a focus on leveraging BOST’s infrastructure to ensure efficient and cost-effective fuel supply. A joint technical team will assess BOST’s operational capacity to facilitate smoother petroleum trade and reduce supply chain disruptions.
BOST’s fuel distribution network is anchored on a multi-modal logistics system that optimises efficiency and reliability. Key components of BOST’s fuel distribution network cover the Tema-Akosombo Petroleum Pipeline (TAPP), the Buipe-Bolgatanga Petroleum Product Pipeline (B2P3), and river transport using barges via the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC).
While the TAPP system facilitates the movement of petroleum products from Tema to Akosombo, serving as a critical link in the supply chain, the B2P3 infrastructure ensures seamless fuel transfer from Ghana’s middle belt to the northern regions and beyond, including Burkina Faso.
Additionally, the VLTC and BOST river barges provide an alternative fuel movement route from Akosombo to Buipe, thus reducing pressure on road transport. Again, the major fuel storage facilities such the Accra Plains, Akosombo, Buipe, and Bolgatanga terminals operated by BOST serve as critical supply hubs for domestic and cross-border trade.
At the recent engagement between the two parties, the BOST Managing Director, Afetsi Awoonor, underscored the company’s readiness to support SONABHY in securing a steady supply of petroleum products.
“The strategic use of our pipelines, storage depots, river barges, road transport partnerships, and the Blue Ocean terminal allows for a more efficient fuel distribution network, benefitting both parties,” he stated.
SONABHY’s Managing Director, Wendpanga Aimé, expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting its potential to stabilise fuel supply and control costs.
“With a strong capital base of 20 billion CFA Francs, SONABHY is ready to invest in long-term trade agreements with BOST. This collaboration is critical to ensuring consistent and cost-effective fuel supply for Burkina Faso,” he noted.
Beyond petroleum trade, Burkina Faso has also requested increased electricity exports from Ghana to support its industrial and economic growth. During the engagement, Burkina Faso’s Energy Minister, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, led a delegation to tour BOST’s Bolgatanga Depot and GRIDCo’s Navrongo substation to explore expanded energy transmission options.
The renewed partnership between BOST and SONABHY spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, and his Burkinabe counterpart, enhances cross-border petroleum trade and ensures that Ghana’s advanced petroleum logistics network contributes to energy security and trade efficiency across West Africa.