By Iddi Yire
Accra, Aug. 2, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated the Government’s commitment to expand the production capacity of the state-owned Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
He announced that he had directed Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, to work with the TOR Board and Management to present a strategic plan for increasing the refinery’s capacity to 100,000 barrels per day.
President Mahama also said the Government would restructure TOR to permanently eliminate political interference in its operations, noting that the move was consistent with the Government’s broader economic transformation agenda.
The President made the remarks during the official commissioning of the refurbished refinery at the Tema Industrial Enclave.
The commissioning also marked the successful processing of one million barrels of locally produced Jubilee Field Medium Sweet Crude Oil into finished petroleum products by the facility.
President Mahama said the rehabilitation of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), restoration of the Residual Fuel Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit, installation of the new F-61 crude heater, and return of Boiler No. 8 to service represented more than engineering achievements.
He said the developments symbolised renewed confidence in Ghana’s industrial capability and demonstrated the nation’s determination to invest in infrastructure that would serve future generations.
“Our vision for Tema Oil Refinery extends far beyond the successful refurbishment of these facilities. We do not intend merely to keep TOR operating, we intend to make it all more competitive. We intend to make it all more efficient, and we intend to make it all more commercially viable,” the President said.
He said the Government intended to position TOR as a strategic driver of Ghana’s industrial future, stressing that the commissioning ceremony marked the beginning rather than the end of the refinery’s restoration programme.
According to him, the long-term goal was to build an integrated petroleum industry that would serve the domestic economy, support regional trade and contribute significantly to Africa’s industrial development.
President Mahama noted that under the Government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative and Accelerated Export Development Programme, institutions such as TOR would play a central role in expanding industrial production, supporting manufacturing, creating quality jobs and improving Ghana’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He expressed satisfaction that TOR was already operating on a 24-hour basis, as indicated by the refinery’s Managing Director, Mr Edmond Kombat.
The President said Government was developing incentive packages for businesses operating continuous shifts.
“Government is working on the incentives for enterprises that are running 24-Hour shifts. We are going to give you incentives in terms of tax breaks, in terms of energy tariffs, but more importantly, when you import capital goods for plant expansion or installation of new plants, will allow you to bring it in tax and duty-free,” he stated.
President Mahama said TOR’s achievements reflected Ghana’s determination to move beyond the export of raw materials towards an economy driven by value addition, innovation and industrial excellence.
“Our work does not end with restoring TOR. Our vision is to transform Ghana into West Africa’s leading petroleum refinery storage and logistics hub, adding value to our natural resources, creating jobs, strengthening energy security, and driving industrial growth.”
The President also disclosed plans to expand TOR’s Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) facility to improve the efficiency and speed of product handling operations.
He commended the Board, Management and staff of TOR for turning around the fortunes of the state-owned refinery.
“Your professionalism, resilience, and belief in this national institution has to start confidence in one of Ghana’s most strategic assets,” he said.
“So today’s ceremony is about more than a Refinery. It’s a testament to what leadership can do, what sound governance and national determination can achieve.”
President Mahama said the revival of TOR demonstrated Ghana’s ability to rebuild strategic institutions, add value to its natural resources and pursue a path of sustainable prosperity.
He described the achievement as another important milestone in the Government’s Reset Agenda and a reminder that the nation’s best days remained ahead.
Mr Edmond Kombat, Managing Director of TOR, said the completion of long-outstanding audited and unaudited financial accounts from 2019 to 2025, the successful receipt and processing of indigenous crude oil, and the refinery’s return to production were not isolated achievements.
He said the accomplishments collectively represented the systematic reset and restoration of Ghana’s national refinery’s operational capability.
GNA