Tema oil refinery resumes operations after years of inactivity – TOR MD

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Ltd. has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a historic milestone in the revitalization of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

The announcement was made in a statement posted on the official Facebook page of TOR Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, highlighting the refinery’s renewed operational status.

The successful resumption follows the completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on TOR’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), conducted over three months from August 1 to October 30, 2025. The maintenance was executed in strict compliance with international engineering, safety, and operational standards, ensuring the refinery meets global benchmarks.

Following the TAM, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted comprehensive regulatory inspections and confirmed TOR’s full compliance with all safety and operational requirements. Clearance was subsequently granted for the resumption of refining activities.

As part of a phased transition, TOR will continue operating over the coming months to stabilize systems, optimize performance, and ensure sustained operational reliability.

TOR has also completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which will soon be commissioned and integrated into the CDU. This critical upgrade will enable TOR to restore its original refining capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd), up from the current 28,000 bpsd, with a strategic plan to expand capacity to 60,000 bpsd in the medium term following the installation of a new Air-Cooler.

The Government of Ghana will formally commission the F-61 furnace at a later date, with details of the event to be communicated to stakeholders and the public.

In his Facebook post, TOR Managing Director Edmond Kombat expressed profound appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his vision, leadership, and support in restoring TOR as a critical pillar of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.

The refinery also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), whose technical oversight and policy leadership were instrumental in TOR’s successful revival.

TOR commended its board, management, and workforce for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication throughout the restoration process. The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to operating safely, efficiently, and sustainably, reclaiming its pivotal role in Ghana’s energy sector.

The Board and Management of TOR extended gratitude to the Government of Ghana, stakeholders, and the Ghanaian public for their confidence and support, emphasizing a continued focus on excellence in performance and safety.

The Tema Oil Refinery Ltd. is Ghana’s premier crude oil processing facility and a cornerstone of the nation’s energy infrastructure. Its resumption of operations signals a renewed focus on strengthening domestic refining capacity, supporting national energy security, and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s petroleum sector.