The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Dr. Patrick Ofori, has urged stronger collaboration among West African nations to enhance energy trade and regional integration. His call came during the 19th OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week held in Lagos, Nigeria, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss the continent’s evolving petroleum landscape.
Dr. Ofori highlighted that, unlike East Africa where nations have successfully integrated payment systems and coordinated pipeline operations West Africa remains fragmented in developing a unified petroleum market. He warned that without stronger regional cooperation, the sub-region risks falling further behind in achieving energy efficiency and market stability.
Citing the recently commissioned Dangote Refinery as a game-changer, Dr. Ofori said the time is ripe for West Africa to establish a common pricing framework and facilitate smoother movement of refined products between countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and their neighbors.
He proposed creating mechanisms that allow fuel to move seamlessly from Nigeria to Ghana, either through cross-border pipelines or shared maritime operations. Achieving this, he noted, would require harmonized currency systems and a unified petroleum policy that encourages fair and efficient trade.
Dr. Ofori stressed that Ghana and Nigeria must take the lead in driving this integration agenda, given their pivotal roles in the region’s energy landscape. “You cannot downplay Nigeria’s impact on the petroleum economy,” he remarked, adding that meaningful regional alignment must begin with these two key economies.
His remarks underscore a growing recognition that regional unity is vital for West Africa’s energy security, competitiveness, and long-term economic growth.