Accra: Burkina Faso's National Hydrocarbons Company (SONABHY) is set to bolster its fuel security by utilizing the petroleum supply chain infrastructure of Ghana's Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST). This strategic partnership is designed 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, the two State-Owned Entities recently held a high-level meeting in Accra where they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation. The focus is on leveraging BOST's infrastructure to ensure an efficient and cost-effective fuel supply. A joint technical team will soon 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 optimizes efficiency and reliability. Key components include the Tema-Akosombo Petroleum Pipeline (TAPP) and the Buipe-Bolgatanga Petroleum Product Pipeline (B2P3), along with 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, 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 route for fuel movement from Akosombo to Buipe, reducing pressure on road transport. Major fuel storage facilities such as the Accra Plains, Akosombo, Buipe, and Bolgatanga terminals operated by BOST serve as critical supply hubs for domestic and cross-border trade.
Mr. Afetsi Awoonor, BOST Managing Director, emphasized 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.
Mr. Wendpanga Aim©, SONABHY's Managing Director, expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting its potential to stabilize 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 Zabr© 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.