Forging Ghana’s Refining Future: TOR Gears Up for Historic Restart
Critical materials including heat exchanger gaskets, UPS batteries, and mechanical seals are in transit to complete final works on equipment and safety systems. This flurry of activity sets the stage for TOR’s planned October restart, with expectations high for the refinery to deliver finished petroleum products crucial to Ghana’s industrial sector and fishing communities.
The refinery’s revival has garnered notable institutional recognition. The Institution of Engineering & Technology, Ghana, recently commended TOR’s management for their consistent engagement of local engineering talent — a testament to the country’s technical expertise and the refinery’s capacity to operate sustainably with homegrown skills.
High-level visits further cemented support for TOR’s resurgence. On October 16, Energy and Green Transition Minister Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor toured the refinery, reaffirming government’s commitment to its recovery and operational success. Shortly after, on October 25, ENI Ghana’s Managing Director Maurizio Pinna met with TOR’s Edmond Kombat to explore collaborative opportunities in Ghana’s downstream sector, reflecting growing interest from international stakeholders.
The restart of TOR promises substantial economic benefits. Reducing reliance on petroleum imports could save the country millions of dollars annually, while bolstering foreign exchange stability and supporting broader national economic growth.
In a recent interaction signaling a closer working relationship between civil society and industry stakeholders, Franklin Cudjoe, Executive Director of IMANI Africa, was invited by the newly appointed Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to engage directly and understand ongoing efforts to revive the refinery. This informal meeting underscores IMANI’s continued interest in the operational turnaround of TOR and reflects a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable management within Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector.
The resurgence of Tema Oil Refinery marks more than just the revival of a facility—it heralds a transformative chapter in Ghana’s quest for energy sovereignty, industrial self-reliance, and economic resilience. With steadfast institutional support, cutting-edge technical achievements, and strategic collaborations spanning government, civil society, and international partners, TOR stands ready to reclaim its role as a vital engine of downstream value creation.
As the refinery prepares to restart operations, its success will resonate beyond the immediate realm of petroleum processing—fueling job creation, reducing import dependency, and strengthening Ghana’s position within the West African energy landscape. The collaborative spirit exemplified by engagements such as the recent dialogue between TOR leadership and IMANI Africa demonstrates a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable governance essential for long-term sector stability.
Looking ahead, TOR’s revival embodies Ghana’s broader energy transition ambitions—one that balances economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion. The refinery’s journey from dormancy to operational readiness offers a powerful testament to what coordinated vision, technical expertise, and institutional resolve can achieve in securing Ghana’s refining future.
