Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Ltd. has successfully restarted crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The restart brings much-needed optimism to the energy industry, as refined products are now flowing to storage for the first time in many years, signalling TOR’s return as a strategic national asset. Industry observers note that this development is expected to strengthen fuel security, reduce overreliance on imports, and contribute to broader economic recovery efforts.
According to the refinery, the comeback follows extensive Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) on its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), carried out between August 1 and October 30, 2025. The maintenance programme was executed in line with strict international engineering, safety, and operational standards to ensure that the ageing facility meets modern performance benchmarks.
After the works were completed, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) undertook detailed regulatory inspections, confirmed TOR’s full compliance with all mandatory requirements, and subsequently granted clearance for refining to resume on December 19, 2025.
Management explains that TOR is currently operating under a phased transition plan designed to gradually build up to full operational capacity. Over the coming months, the refinery will focus on stabilising systems, fine‑tuning processes, and optimising performance to guarantee sustained and reliable output. This measured approach, according to TOR, is intended to prevent setbacks, protect expensive equipment, and reassure both government and private-sector partners that the facility can run efficiently over the long term.
As part of the revival, TOR has installed a new F-61 furnace, which is expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU in the near future. Once fully tied in, the unit will allow the refinery to restore its original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd), up from the current operating level of 28,000 bpsd.
Medium-term plans also include the installation of a new air cooler to further expand capacity to 60,000 bpsd, positioning TOR to play a more dominant role in regional petroleum supply. Government officials have indicated that a formal commissioning ceremony for the F-61 furnace will be held at a later date, with details to be communicated to stakeholders and the general public.
In a statement issued on Saturday, December 27, TOR attributed the refinery’s revival to sustained support and policy direction from government. The company specifically commended President John Dramani Mahama for his vision, leadership, and commitment to restoring TOR as a critical pillar of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.
It also praised the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, for providing technical oversight and aligning the turnaround with national energy priorities.
TOR further extended appreciation to its Board of Directors, management team, and entire workforce for their resilience, professionalism, and determination throughout the difficult years of inactivity.
Management stressed that the staff have played a central role in preparing the plant for restart, and remain committed to sustaining the refinery’s renewed momentum and achieving excellence across all aspects of operations. The Board and Management also expressed gratitude to stakeholders and the Ghanaian public for their patience, confidence, and continued support during the refinery’s long road to recovery.
