GOIL, SMB Cut Sod To Build Bitumen Plant

Mr John Peter Amewu assisted by an operator to cut the sod

PRESIDENT AKUFO-Addo has assured Ghanaians that Government will deliver major roads that are more robust and can stand the weather conditions of the country. That, he noted, is in furtherance of government’s massive road construction program in 2019 and 2020.

He disclosed this in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Energy, John Peter Amewu, at the sod cutting ceremony to mark the beginning of the GOIL/SMB Bitumen project in Tema.

The 35 million-dollar joint venture between GOIL and Ivoire’s Societe Multinationale de Bitumes (SMB) of La Cote D’Ivoire will be completed in two years and involves the construction of a Bitumen Plant for storage of raw bitumen. The plant will be milling raw bitumen and polymers to produce PMB and bitumen emulsions.

Mr Amewu noted the increasing demand for bitumen paved roads in Ghana indicating the Ministry of Roads and Highways intends to rehabilitate and construct several thousands of kilometers of highways and urban roads with polymer modified bitumen (PMB).

Acting Managing Director and Group CEO of GOIL, Kwame Osei-Prempeh, explained that the partnership with SMB dates as far back as 2003 when GOIL decided to market Bitumen.

He acknowledged the yeoman’s role played by his predecessor, Patrick A.K. Akorli, for the foresight and determination that has brought the dream to fruition. He equally acknowledged the great work by Nana Yaw Owusu, Otumfuo’s Mpaboahene and representative of SMB as well as the GOIL team for their patriotic vision for Ghana.

Managing Director of SMB, Mamadou Doumbia, acknowledged that Ghana has been the company’s main and proud customer, supplying the country of about 80% of the bitumen requirement.

He said the project will further cement economic cooperation between Ghana and Cote d’ Ivoire.