The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has commissioned the GOIL/SMB Bitumen Plant, the largest bitumen processing facility in Tema, Greater Accra region.
The state-of-the-art plant, commissioned on Thursday, September 12, 2024 is a $40 million joint venture between Ghana’s GOIL PLC and Côte d’Ivoire’s Société Multinationale de Bitumes (SMB).
President Akufo-Addo expressed profound pride in the achievement, emphasising the significance of regional cooperation. He described the plant as a testament to the power of shared vision and resources within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“This facility is more than just a plant; it symbolises the strong ties between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and exemplifies the benefits of regional collaboration,” he stated.
CAPACITY
The President said that the GOIL/SMB Bitumen Plant boasts a total storage capacity of 7,500 metric tons. He said that it will process base bitumen imported from Côte d’Ivoire into high-quality Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) and bitumen emulsions.
These products, according to President Akufo-Addo, are crucial for developing durable road infrastructure, offering enhanced performance under extreme weather conditions and heavy traffic loads.
PMB
PMB is known for its superior elasticity, strength and resistance to cracking, making it ideal for high-stress areas such as highways and airport runways. Bitumen emulsions are environmentally friendly and economically efficient, used in road maintenance and construction without the need for high temperatures during application.
RELIANCE
The establishment of this plant is set to reduce Ghana’s reliance on bitumen imports, lowering construction costs and improving the quality of road infrastructure.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the plant’s timely arrival amid ongoing efforts to expand the country’s road network.
“Since 2017, we have embarked on the most extensive road construction program in Ghana’s history, with over 12,000 kilometers of roads built. This facility will complement our efforts by producing the necessary volumes of bitumen products to meet the growing demands of our infrastructure sector.”
The new plant is also expected to foster regional integration, with President Akufo-Addo praising the joint venture as a model for future collaborations within ECOWAS.”
The President also commended the leadership of GOIL PLC and the dedication of the contractors, Orsam, and workers from both GOIL and SMB for their efforts in completing the project on schedule and to high safety standards.
PRIME MINISTER
The ceremony was attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and His Excellency Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, who represented President Alassane Ouattara.
In his address, His Excellency Robert Beugré Mambé urged Goil and SMB to do well to maintain their partnership. He pledged the support of the government and people of his country to the joint venture.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, in his speech spoke on sustainability.
According to him, being responsible in the carbon emissions has now left the realm of being an option, adding that all the signs of a fast-warming globe are here “and we know; we can’t wait any longer to take decisive action.”
He said the plant must be a zero-carbon emission model for others to follow. He said it must contribute directly to efforts to reach net zero in the next few years and it must ensure energy efficiency at all levels.
While commending Goil and SMB for having the highest bitumen standard certification, he also implored them to look more within than without.
“Your internal ethical standards are what will make the real difference. Look to those and stick to them,” he remarked.
COMMENDATION
The Board Chairman of GOIL PLC, Reginald Daniel Laryea, thanked President Akufo-Addo ministries of Energy, Roads and Transport for their contributions.
He assured the gathering that GOIL PLC and SMB will continue to take further steps to deepen their cooperation.
“I believe that together we can achieve even greater milestones and point much closer ties,” he said and welcomed the guests.
The Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GOIL PLC, Mr. Kwame Osei-Prempeh, urged the President to make every effort to prevent the influx of bitumen into the country through unapproved routes.
