TOR revival gains traction as refinery reports full tanks, improved efficiency

By Kizito CUDJOE

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has said disciplined shipping schedules and tighter operational controls are beginning to pay off with storage tanks now fully stocked, a visible sign that the revived state-owned refinery is regaining operational efficiency after years of underperformance.

This development emerged during a working visit by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Edudzi Tameklo, who toured the facility to assess TOR’s progress following regulatory approval to resume full operations.

The engagement brought together TOR’s general management team and regulators for what both sides described as a critical checkpoint in the refinery’s recovery process.

Addressing the delegation, TOR’s Managing Director Mr. Edmond Kombat attributed improved stock levels to effective laycan management and stricter coordination across operations, noting that the refinery is steadily rebuilding confidence in its capacity to operate efficiently and sustainably.

TOR management used the meeting to acknowledge NPA’s role in the refinery’s revival, describing the regulator’s support as crucial to restoring operations and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

The NPA delegation subsequently toured key operational units to verify readiness and compliance, following the Authority’s decision allowing TOR to resume full operations.

Commending both management and staff, Mr. Tameklo pledged continued regulatory backing for the refinery – stressing its strategic importance to Ghana’s energy sector. “I will be the number-one champion for support to TOR, because if TOR is working it makes my work easier,” he said.

Drawing lessons from a recent visit to Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, NPA’s boss emphasised the need for scale, efficiency and modernisation, particularly through automation.

“No one should be sent to go and turn a valve,” he remarked, pointing to the role of technology in improving safety and productivity.

He however cautioned that regulatory approvals must never compromise plant integrity, stressing both NPA and TOR share responsibility for safeguarding the facility.

“We must be mindful of our responsibility to ensure that we do not say ‘proceed’ when what’s required is ‘stop work’, because the plant’s integrity must not be compromised,” he said.

Mr. Tameklo further highlighted the broader impact of TOR’s revival on the downstream petroleum sector, noting its potential to stabilise fuel prices, reduce dependence on imported refined products and generate significant foreign exchange savings.

The visit concluded with a facility inspection to confirm that operations are ongoing and aligned with regulatory requirements. TOR management expressed appreciation to NPA’s leadership for its continued support.

As the country’s only state-owned refinery, TOR’s return to sustained operations is expected to strengthen national energy security, support price stability, create employment and improve foreign exchange management.

Mr. Kombat, in a social media post, said the visit reinforced strong regulatory collaboration and a shared commitment in restoring TOR to full, sustainable operations for national interests.

“NPA, under Mr. Tameklo’s able leadership, has been instrumental in this revival journey. We remain grateful to our regulator for the continued support to strengthen Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry,” he said.

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