Transformation of TOR is critical to restoring investor confidence - Energy Minister

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has described the successful revitalisation of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) as a major milestone in Ghana's energy sector, saying the refinery's transformation will strengthen investor confidence, increase local crude oil refining and reduce the country's dependence on imported petroleum products.

Speaking after joining President John Dramani Mahama and other stakeholders for the official commissioning of the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the Tema Oil Refinery on Sunday, Dr. Jinapor said the project forms a central part of the government's RESET Agenda and the President's 24-Hour Economy initiative.

According to the Energy Minister, restoring TOR to full operation represents a significant step toward rebuilding one of Ghana's most strategic national assets.

He explained that local refining of Ghana's crude oil will enhance energy security, create jobs, increase value addition and reduce the country's reliance on imported refined petroleum products.

Dr. Jinapor said the refinery's revival demonstrates the government's commitment to revitalising state-owned enterprises that are critical to national industrialisation and economic transformation.

"The successful revival of TOR marks a significant milestone in our energy sector reset agenda," he stated.

Dr. Jinapor disclosed that when the current administration assumed office, the refinery had been operating under a private management arrangement that failed to achieve its intended objectives.

According to him, the arrangement left the refinery's core operations largely inactive, limiting its contribution to Ghana's petroleum industry.

He said the government has now restored the refinery to its rightful role as a strategic institution supporting the country's energy security and industrial development.

"Today, we have restored TOR to its rightful place as a key pillar of Ghana's energy security and industrial transformation," he wrote in a Facebook post following the commissioning ceremony.

The Energy Minister revealed that, acting on President Mahama's directive, he has completed a comprehensive roadmap to expand the refinery's processing capacity to 100,000 barrels per day.

According to him, the expansion will significantly increase Ghana's ability to refine its own crude oil, reduce imports of refined petroleum products and improve domestic fuel supply.

He said the increased refining capacity would also generate employment opportunities, boost industrial growth and position Ghana as a leading petroleum refining and logistics hub in West Africa.

Dr. Jinapor commended the Managing Director of TOR, Edmond Kombat, together with the Board, management and staff, for their dedication and commitment in restoring the refinery's operations.

He said their resilience and professionalism had transformed President Mahama's vision into a practical achievement that would benefit Ghana's economy for years to come.

The Minister encouraged employees to maintain high standards of operational excellence, safety and efficiency to ensure the refinery's long-term sustainability.

Reaffirming his support for the refinery, Dr. Jinapor pledged to continue working closely with TOR's leadership and employees to strengthen Ghana's energy sector.

He stressed that revitalising strategic national assets remains essential to building a resilient economy capable of supporting industrialisation, job creation and long-term economic growth.

The recommissioning of the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit is expected to significantly improve Ghana's domestic refining capacity while advancing the government's broader objective of creating a self-reliant and competitive energy industry.