The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) says its Bolgatanga depot is undergoing rehabilitation and upgrading works, following growing concerns by residents over the facility’s reduced operations and the impact on employment and fuel distribution in northern Ghana.

Originally established as a strategic fuel storage, distribution and export hub, the Bolgatanga depot serves Ghana’s northern corridor and neighbouring landlocked countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Beyond its regional significance, the facility has also helped ensure a reliable fuel supply to northern Ghana while reducing the movement of fuel tankers from the southern parts of the country.

However, the depot’s limited activity has sparked concern among local businesses and residents who rely on its operations for their livelihoods.

In an interview with this reporter, local fuel dealer Sumaila Abubakari, who said he previously worked at the depot, expressed worry over its prolonged inactivity.

According to him, some fuel station operators and tanker owners prefer to lift petroleum products from Accra instead of using the Bolgatanga depot to supply nearby areas such as Bawku and Navrongo. He alleged that the practice has contributed to the decline in activity at the facility.

Mr. Abubakari said the situation has affected employment opportunities in the area, as many residents depend on the depot for their livelihoods.

“The inactivity here is creating a lot of unemployment among the youth in our region. Many families depend on the depot for their livelihoods. Drivers, loaders, cleaners and small businesses all rely on its operations. With the depot closed, people are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

He added that the depot was established to create jobs and improve fuel distribution in the region, making its current state a source of frustration for many residents.

“It’s painful to see. This depot was meant to serve us, create jobs and make fuel distribution easier, but now it feels like we’ve been forgotten,” he lamented.

Attempts by this reporter to obtain comments from BOST’s Regional Manager in Bolgatanga were unsuccessful, as the official referred the media outlet to the company’s head office in Accra.

Officials at BOST’s head office subsequently confirmed that the Bolgatanga depot is currently undergoing rehabilitation and upgrading works.

Residents and industry stakeholders have expressed hope that the completion of the upgrade will restore full operations at the depot, revive employment opportunities and strengthen its role as a strategic fuel distribution and export hub for northern Ghana and the wider West African sub-region.