TOR resumes operation after years of inactivity

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

According to a press statement by the company, “This achievement follows the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), executed within three months from 1st August, 2025 to 30th October 2025. The maintenance works were undertaken in strict compliance with international engineering, safety, and operational standards.”

TOR for the past years under the former President Akufo-Addo’s NPP government not in operation and at some time in 2023 the then government intended to sell the company at 22million United State dollar.

However, upon the assumption of office, President John Mahama appointed Mr. Edmond Kombat who turn the fortunes of the company and it was reported that this year alone the company generated US$22million.

Read the full statement:

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Ltd is pleased to announce the successful resumption of crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a historic milestone in the revitalization of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

This achievement follows the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), executed within three months from 1st August, 2025 to 30th October 2025. The maintenance works were undertaken in strict compliance with international engineering, safety, and operational standards.

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

As part of a phased transition toward full operational capacity, and in advance of the refinery’s official recommissioning, TOR will continue operating over the coming months to stabilize systems, optimize performance, and ensure sustained operational reliability.

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

The Government of Ghana will formally commission and tie-in the F-61 furnace at a later date. Details regarding the commissioning event, including timing and arrangements, will be duly communicated to stakeholders and the general public in due course.

TOR expresses its deep appreciation to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for his continued support, vision, leadership, and steadfast dedication and commitment to the restoration of TOR as a critical pillar of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.

The refinery also extends profound appreciation to the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), whose dedication, technical oversight, and policy leadership have been instrumental in restoring TOR to operational life. His consistent support and hands-on engagement have ensured the effective alignment of technical execution with national energy priorities.

TOR further commends its board, management, and entire workforce for their enthusiasm, resilience, professionalism, and unwavering sense of purpose throughout this revival journey. The staff of TOR remains committed to sustaining the refinery’s renewed operational momentum and achieving excellence across all aspects of refinery performance.

The Board and Management of TOR Ltd. extend sincere gratitude to the Government of Ghana, stakeholders, and the Ghanaian public for their continued confidence and support. TOR remains firmly committed to operating safely, efficiently, and sustainably as it reclaims its role as a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.

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