Mahama Commissions TOR, Unveils Major Expansion Plan
Refinery resumes operations with locally produced crude as government targets energy security and industrial growth.call
President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the refurbished processing facilities at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), marking the return of Ghana’s only state-owned refinery to active operations and reinforcing the country’s drive towards energy security, industrialisation and value addition. The commissioning ceremony on Saturday August 1, was accompanied by the arrival and processing of the first one-million-barrel cargo of Ghana’s Jubilee Medium Sweet crude for domestic refining, a development expected to reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products while maximizing the value of the country’s natural resources.
The rehabilitation restored key operational units at the refinery, including the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCC), Boiler No. 8 and a newly installed F-61 crude heater, enabling the refinery to resume production after years of intermittent operations. Addressing stakeholders at the ceremony, President Mahama praised the Board, Management and staff of TOR for successfully restoring the refinery without direct financial support from the Government.
He described the achievement as a demonstration of disciplined leadership, prudent management and the technical competence of Ghanaian professionals. “The revival of Tema Oil Refinery demonstrates that Ghana can rebuild its strategic institutions, add value to its resources, and chart a path towards sustainable prosperity,” the President said. He noted that the refinery’s return to operation represents a significant step towards strengthening Ghana’s energy independence by processing locally produced crude oil into finished petroleum products for domestic consumption.
President Mahama announced that Government would, under its RESET Agenda, embark on an ambitious programme to expand TOR’s refining capacity from its current level to 100,000 barrels per day. He directed the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, working with the refinery’s Board and Management, to develop a comprehensive expansion strategy that would modernise the facility, improve efficiency and enhance its commercial competitiveness.
According to the President, the long-term vision is to transform TOR into a major petroleum refining, storage and logistics hub serving Ghana and the wider West African sub-region. He stressed that strengthening the refinery’s operational independence and improving its infrastructure would position it to play a central role in the country’s economic transformation. President Mahama also announced plans to expand the refinery’s Single Buoy Mooring system to improve crude oil import and discharge capacity while supporting increased refining volumes.
He further indicated that TOR would play a critical role in implementing the Government’s 24-Hour Economy policy by ensuring a reliable supply of petroleum products to industries operating around the clock. The President said businesses participating in the initiative would benefit from targeted incentives, including tax concessions, favourable energy tariffs and duty-free importation of capital equipment to encourage investment and boost productivity.
He emphasised that reviving the refinery aligns with Government’s broader objective of rebuilding strategic national assets, creating jobs, supporting industrial growth and reducing the country’s expenditure on imported refined fuel. The recommissioning of TOR is regarded as a major milestone for Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, restoring local refining capacity and strengthening the country’s ambition to become a competitive energy and logistics hub in the West African region.
Source: Joy News
Author: Joyce Owusu
