President John Dramani Mahama has committed to expanding the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) production capability to 100,000 barrels per day. He has instructed Dr. John Jinapor, the Minister of Energy and Green Transitions, to collaborate with TOR's Board of Management. Their task is to present a strategic plan for this significant capacity increase.
This directive follows the formal commissioning of the refurbished TOR facility. The refinery recently processed 1 million barrels of locally produced Jubilee Field Medium Sweet Crude oil into finished products. This achievement marks a renewed confidence in Ghana's industrial capacity and its determination to invest in critical infrastructure.
The expansion aligns with the government's broader economic transformation agenda. It aims to position TOR as a strategic driver of Ghana's industrial future. The government also plans to restructure TOR to permanently eliminate political interference in its operations. This move seeks to enhance the refinery's competitiveness, efficiency, and commercial viability.
President Mahama stated, "Our vision for Tema Oil Refinery extends far beyond the successful refurbishment of these facilities. We do not intend merely to keep TOR operating, we intend to make it all more competitive." He added that the goal is to make it more efficient and commercially viable. This commitment underscores a national ambition to build an integrated petroleum industry.
The expanded TOR will support Ghana's domestic economy, regional trade, and Africa's industrial relations. It will play a central role in the 24-Hour Economy initiative and the Accelerated Export Development Programme. These programs aim to expand industrial production, support manufacturing, and create quality jobs.
The government will offer incentives for enterprises running 24-hour shifts, including tax breaks and energy tariff reductions. Companies importing capital goods for plant expansion or new plant installations will also receive tax and duty-free benefits. This policy aims to stimulate industrial growth and enhance competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
TOR's success represents Ghana's determination to move beyond raw material exports. It signifies a shift towards an economy built on value addition, innovation, and industrial excellence. The vision is to transform Ghana into West Africa's leading petroleum refinery, storage, and logistics hub. This will add value to natural resources, create jobs, and strengthen energy security.
The plan also includes expanding TOR's Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) to upload more products efficiently. This will improve the speed and effectiveness of product handling. The Managing Director of TOR, Mr. Edmond Kombat, confirmed the refinery is already operating 24 hours. He highlighted the completion of outstanding financial accounts from 2019 to 2025 as a key achievement.
President Mahama commended TOR's Board, Management, and Staff for their professionalism and resilience. He noted that their efforts have restored confidence in one of Ghana's most strategic assets. The revival of TOR demonstrates Ghana's ability to rebuild strategic institutions and chart a path towards sustainable prosperity.