The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has reassured Ghanaians and industry stakeholders that robust systems are now in place to guarantee a steady supply of crude oil, addressing one of the major challenges that previously disrupted its operations.
Speaking to JoyNews, TOR’s Corporate Affairs Officer, Godwin Mahama, said structured Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed to ensure crude is consistently available to feed the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU).
“I want to assure everyone and all experts that structured MOUs have been signed to make sure we don’t lack crude. So that at any time the CDU needs to be fed with crude, it will be available,” Mr Mahama stated.
He acknowledged that limited crude supply had historically been a key factor behind TOR’s inconsistent operations. “Crude has always been one of the problems why TOR has not been functioning,” he explained.
Mr Mahama described how the current management team, including the Deputy Managing Director, undertook a detailed fishbone analysis—a structured problem-solving technique—to critically examine why the refinery remained dormant for years.
“They conducted a thorough analysis to see why TOR has not been working and what could be done best. One of the main findings was that crude supply had always been a problem,” he said.
Drawing lessons from past operational constraints, TOR management has implemented systems aimed at ensuring the refinery’s revival is sustainable. “Proper structures have been put in place to make sure that TOR’s comeback will not be a one-off event, but something that can stand the test of time,” Mr Mahama added.
The assurance comes in the wake of TOR’s resumption of crude oil refining after several years of inactivity—a move widely welcomed as a boost to Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The refinery restarted operations following the completion of extensive Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) work on its CDU between August 1 and October 30, 2025. TOR confirmed that the maintenance was carried out on schedule and adhered to international engineering, safety, and operational standards.
Following the maintenance, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted regulatory inspections and cleared the refinery to resume operations after confirming compliance with mandatory safety and operational requirements.
TOR plans to operate in a phased manner over the coming months to stabilise systems and optimise performance ahead of full recommissioning. Management emphasised that this approach is designed to ensure long-term reliability and sustainability.
In addition to resuming operations, TOR has completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which is expected to be commissioned soon and integrated into the CDU. Once operational, the upgrade will increase refining capacity from the current 28,000 barrels per stream day to the original 45,000 barrels per stream day, with plans to expand further to 60,000 barrels per stream day in the medium term.
The government is expected to formally commission the new furnace at a later date, with TOR indicating that details of the ceremony will be announced in due course.
Mr Mahama’s statements underline the refinery’s commitment to resolving longstanding operational bottlenecks, particularly crude supply, which has historically affected Ghana’s ability to maintain a reliable domestic petroleum sector. By implementing strategic agreements and infrastructure upgrades, TOR aims to enhance domestic fuel security, stabilise the local market, and reduce reliance on imports.
As TOR gradually ramps up operations, stakeholders and industry observers are expected to closely monitor the refinery’s performance, particularly its ability to maintain consistent crude throughput and meet production targets, which are crucial for Ghana’s energy landscape.