DEPUTY MINISTER WELCOMES CHINESE INVESTMENT INTEREST IN WASTE-TO-ENERGY & OIL REFINING PROJECTS
The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi, has assured a visiting Chinese business delegation of the Government of Ghana’s full support as they explore opportunities to establish a waste-to-energy and oil refining facility in the country.
Receiving the delegation from Shandong, China, at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry in Accra on Tuesday, 4th November, 2025, Hon. Ahi commended the group for choosing Ghana as their preferred destination in West Africa, emphasizing that the country remains one of the safest and most attractive environments for foreign direct investment on the continent.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s long-standing diplomatic and economic relations with China and encouraged the investors to take advantage of the country’s political stability, strong legal system, and investor protection frameworks. “Ghana is a stable democracy governed by the rule of law. Investments here are protected, and our judicial system works effectively to safeguard business interests. We are ready to support you one hundred percent as you establish your operations,” he assured.
The Deputy Minister also underscored government’s ongoing efforts to industrialize the economy, reduce imports, and add value to locally produced materials, noting that ventures such as the proposed waste recycling and energy conversion plant align perfectly with Ghana’s industrial transformation agenda.
He commended the collaboration between Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) and the Chinese partners, calling for continued financial and technical support to revitalize local industries and create sustainable jobs.
Hon. Ahi concluded by assuring the investors that the Ministry and its agencies, including the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), stand ready to assist them through every step of the investment process.
“The ball is in your court. Ghana is ready to receive you, and we are open for business,” he said.
The Chinese delegation, led by Mr. Liu, Chief Executive Officer of a Shandong-based green energy company, and accompanied by Dr. Philip Osafo, Director at ATL, outlined their plans to establish a facility in Ghana that would convert waste materials into oil, diesel, and other chemical products using advanced, low-carbon technology.
Dr. Osafo explained that the Chinese firm has supplied ATL with raw materials, yarn, and fuel for nearly a decade, and is now ready to move part of its chemical and fuel production to Ghana to serve the wider West African market.
According to Mr. Liu Xiaorui, the company recycles over 1.5 million tonnes of waste annually in China and supplies sustainable fuel products to European markets and global shipping lines. He noted that Ghana’s strategic location, port infrastructure, and stable governance make it a viable base for regional operations.
The delegation has already visited ATL’s facilities at Akosombo, the Bright Industrial Park at Afienya, and the Tema Port, and is expected to meet with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for further discussions on regulatory requirements.
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