The revival of TOR demonstrates that Ghana can rebuild its strategic institutions - Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Board, Management and staff of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for successfully restoring the refinery's operations without financial support from the government, describing the achievement as a remarkable demonstration of resilience, disciplined leadership and effective corporate governance.

The President made the remarks while commissioning the refinery's refurbished processing facilities, an event that marks a significant step in Ghana's industrial revitalisation efforts and its broader strategy to strengthen energy security through domestic petroleum refining.

President Mahama praised the refinery's leadership for reviving operations through internal efforts rather than relying on state financial assistance.

According to him, the successful rehabilitation of the refinery demonstrates the capability of Ghanaian professionals to restore strategic national assets through prudent management, innovation and accountability.

He said the achievement should serve as a model for other state-owned enterprises seeking to improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability.

The commissioning ceremony coincided with the arrival of the first one-million-barrel shipment of Jubilee Medium Sweet crude oil for domestic processing at TOR.

The President described the development as a major milestone in Ghana's efforts to increase local value addition by refining its own crude oil instead of relying heavily on imported refined petroleum products.

He noted that processing Ghana's indigenous crude locally will help strengthen the country's energy sector, improve supply security and enhance economic value creation.

As part of the government's RESET Agenda, President Mahama announced ambitious plans to expand the refinery's production capacity to 100,000 barrels per day.

He said the expansion will position Tema Oil Refinery to meet growing domestic demand while creating opportunities to supply refined petroleum products to neighbouring West African countries.

The President also reaffirmed government's commitment to strengthening TOR's operational independence to ensure greater efficiency, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

President Mahama outlined plans to transform Tema Oil Refinery into a leading regional centre for petroleum refining, storage and logistics.

According to him, a stronger TOR will enhance Ghana's strategic position within the West African energy market while supporting industrial development, job creation and increased investment in the petroleum sector.

He stressed that revitalising strategic national institutions remains a key pillar of the government's economic transformation agenda.

"The revival of Tema Oil Refinery demonstrates that Ghana can rebuild its strategic institutions, add value to its resources, and chart a path towards sustainable prosperity," President Mahama stated.

The recommissioning of the refinery represents a major boost for Ghana's energy and industrial sectors, reinforcing government efforts to reduce dependence on imported refined fuels and maximise the economic benefits of the country's natural resources.

Officials believe the refinery's renewed operations, combined with planned capacity expansion, will improve energy security, strengthen the downstream petroleum industry and contribute significantly to Ghana's long-term economic growth.