The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has resumed crude oil processing operations after several years of inactivity.
The resumption follows the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), carried out between August 1 and October 30, 2025. TOR said the maintenance exercise was executed within schedule and 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 at the facility and subsequently confirmed TOR’s full compliance with all mandatory safety and operational requirements. The clearance paved the way for the refinery to restart crude oil refining activities.
The Managing Director of TOR, Edmond Kombat, announced the development in a press release posted on his Facebook page on December 27, describing the restart as a historic milestone in the revitalisation of Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.
As part of ongoing upgrade works, TOR has completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which is expected to be commissioned soon and integrated into the CDU. When operational, the new furnace will increase the refinery’s output from the current 28,000 barrels per stream day to its original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day. Plans are also underway to expand capacity further 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 new furnace at a later date, with TOR indicating that details of the event will be announced in due course.
In the statement, TOR attributed the refinery’s revival to sustained government support, commending President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership and commitment to restoring the refinery as a critical component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure. The refinery also praised the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, for his policy direction, technical oversight and consistent engagement throughout the restoration process.
TOR further acknowledged the contributions of its board, management, workforce and key stakeholders, reaffirming its commitment to safe, efficient and sustainable operations as it reclaims its strategic role in Ghana’s energy sector.
