Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is increasingly looking to West Africa for crude oil supplies as part of efforts to restore stable operations and drive its long-term recovery agenda, Managing Director Edmond Kombat has disclosed.
Speaking to journalists participating in the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship in Accra, Mr Kombat said discussions were underway on how Ghana’s crude oil allocation could be structured to ensure the refinery receives a more reliable and consistent supply of feedstock.
According to him, the move forms part of broader plans to reposition TOR after years of operational and financial setbacks.
The refinery has faced persistent challenges over the years, including repeated shutdowns caused by crude shortages, ageing infrastructure, and mounting debt. At various points, TOR has had to scale down production, raising concerns about its sustainability and future role in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
Despite several attempts at rehabilitation, the refinery has struggled to maintain steady production and profitability.
Mr Kombat said the situation has also been compounded by external market pressures. He cited disruptions in global crude supply linked to tensions involving Iran and the United States, which have contributed to instability in international oil markets.
He further noted that rising freight and shipping costs have significantly increased the cost of importing crude oil, making refinery operations more expensive and less predictable.
In response to the challenges, the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is shifting its focus toward sourcing crude oil from West Africa, a move Mr Kombat described as both more reliable and cost-effective.
According to him, the strategy is aimed at improving supply security while reducing the refinery’s exposure to global shipping disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.
Despite the operational difficulties facing the refinery, Mr Kombat said management remains committed to a broader turnaround agenda centred on restoring stability, improving efficiency, and rebuilding public confidence in TOR’s long-term viability.
He admitted that the recovery process would not be easy, but stressed that concrete measures are already being implemented to secure the refinery’s future and strengthen its role within Ghana’s energy sector.