The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has officially resumed crude oil refining operations following several years of inactivity, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s energy sector.
The restart comes after the successful completion of extensive Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU). The maintenance exercise was carried out between August 1 and October 30 and completed within three months in line with international engineering, safety, and operational standards.
Managing Director of TOR, Edmond Kombat, disclosed that the works have restored the refinery to a condition suitable for safe and efficient operations. Following the maintenance, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted comprehensive regulatory inspections and confirmed that the refinery met all mandatory safety and operational requirements. Clearance has since been granted for refining activities to resume.
In a statement issued on Saturday, TOR explained that operations will initially be conducted under a phased approach ahead of full recommissioning. According to the company, this period will allow for system stabilisation, performance optimisation, and the assurance of sustained operational reliability.
As part of ongoing upgrade efforts, TOR has completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which is expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU in the coming months. The installation is projected to restore the refinery’s original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day, up from the current operating level of 28,000 barrels per stream day.
Management has also outlined plans to further expand capacity to 60,000 barrels per stream day in the medium term, following the installation of a new air cooler.
The Government of Ghana is expected to formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date, with details of the event to be announced in due course.
TOR expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his continued support and leadership in restoring the refinery as a key pillar of Ghana’s energy infrastructure. The company also acknowledged the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, for his technical oversight and policy leadership during the revival process.
Commending its board, management, and workforce, TOR praised staff for their resilience and professionalism throughout the restoration journey and reaffirmed its commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable operations as it works to reclaim its role as a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy sector.
