In Tema, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially opened a $40 million bitumen processing facility on Thursday.
The largest bitumen processing terminal in Ghana, the plant is a joint venture between Goil Ghana Limited and the Cote d’Ivoire-based Société Multinationale de Bitumes (SMB). It is anticipated that the effort will significantly contribute to the nation’s road construction industry, industrial growth, and decreased dependency on bitumen imports.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of the relationship during an inaugural ceremony, stating that the initiative was proof of what could be accomplished if the subregion pooled its resources and knowledge.
He emphasized that the plant was symbolic of the strong ties between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, noting that the collaboration “exemplified the power of shared vision and resources within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”
President Alassane Ouattara was represented at the event by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé of Côte d’Ivoire, who was also there with President Akufo-Addo.
Two bitumen storage tanks (AC20, 4000 metric tonnes and AC10, 2000 metric tonnes respectively), one blend stock tank (450 metric tonnes), two 15 metric tonnes mixing tanks for Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB), three 133 metric tonnes letdown tanks for PMB, and two 133 metric tonnes emulsions storage tanks are all present in the plant.
It has a total storage capacity of 7,500 metric tons and will transform base bitumen imported from Côte d’Ivoire into high-quality polymer modified bitumen (PMB) and bitumen emulsions, which are crucial to the development of durable road infrastructure.
Further
President Akufo-Addo highlighted that the $40 million bitumen plant aligns with his government’s road expansion efforts, with over 12,000 kilometers of roads built since 2017. The plant will produce Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB), ideal for high-stress areas like highways, which will reduce costs and improve road durability. He urged the use of high-quality bitumen in major projects and praised the venture as a model for ECOWAS cooperation. The plant will boost job creation, exports, and Ghana’s energy sector, enhancing local refinery capabilities and the nation’s economic resilience.
Read Also: $14 Million Tuna Cold Store Project Opened In Tema
