The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., has commended Sentuo Oil Refinery for its growing contribution to Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, describing the facility as a game changer for the industry.
Mr Tameklo made the remarks on Monday, January 5, 2026, when he led a team from the Authority on a working visit to the Sentuo Oil Refinery as part of a nationwide familiarisation tour of petroleum installations.
The tour, according to the NPA, is aimed at strengthening regulatory engagement with industry players while supporting the growth and sustainability of the downstream petroleum sector.
Addressing management of the refinery during a meeting with the Group Chairman, Mr Ninqguan Xu, and his team, Mr Tameklo praised Sentuo’s decision to invest in refining infrastructure in Ghana, noting that the country had relied on a single major refinery for over six decades.
“The decision by Sentuo to put up a refinery for me is a game changer. For a long time, for over 60 years, we have always relied on one major refinery. The work Sentuo has been doing over the last six months, the evidence is out there for all of us to see,” he said.
He assured the refinery of the NPA’s continuous support, stressing that the Authority’s role goes beyond regulation to include protecting investments in the sector.
“What it means is that for us from the NPA, what do we do to support your activities, at the same time ensuring that our regulatory oversight in the work we do is never compromised. As a regulator, we need to first ensure that we help you protect your investment. Your decision to invest in Ghana requires that we protect that investment and that is important to us,” Mr Tameklo stated.
The NPA Chief Executive, however, emphasised that regulatory compliance, particularly in health, safety and environmental standards, would not be compromised.
“Protecting that investment also means that we do not compromise on issues of regulatory oversight. The things that are important to us are to ensure that your factory meets international standards. Issues about health, the environment and safety must be given top priority,” he said.
He added that while the Authority would work to ensure the investment is worthwhile, operators must also support regulators by fully complying with all regulatory requirements.
Responding, the Group Chairman of Sentuo Oil Refinery, Mr Ninqguan Xu, expressed appreciation to the NPA for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to operating within Ghana’s regulatory framework.
“Sentuo Oil Refinery remains fully committed to complying with all labour laws in Ghana and adhering strictly to international health, safety and environmental standards. We will continue to provide proper working conditions for our staff to enhance efficiency and productivity,” Mr Xu said.
He further highlighted the company’s focus on local content and capacity building, revealing that Sentuo has successfully integrated local staff into its steel operations and plans to replicate the same approach at the refinery.
“We are deliberately integrating and training local staff, including positioning them as intermediaries to address language barriers and ensure that all documentation and processes meet regulatory requirements,” he explained.
Mr Xu also disclosed plans to partner with relevant institutions to establish a scholarship scheme aimed at training university students to acquire skills in the petroleum sector, as part of the company’s long-term human capital development strategy.
The working visit, the NPA noted, underscores its commitment to ensuring a well-regulated, competitive and sustainable downstream petroleum sector through continuous engagement with industry players, regulatory support and strict enforcement of compliance to guarantee safe operations, protect investments and promote long-term growth in Ghana’s petroleum industry.
