Source: Emmanuel Ayiku \ Ebenezer Adu. Accra, Ghana
The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of shutdown, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s energy sector and efforts to strengthen fuel security.
The restart of operations follows the successful completion of a major turnaround maintenance exercise on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU). The maintenance works, which lasted several months, were aimed at restoring critical equipment, improving safety standards, and ensuring the facility meets operational and regulatory requirements.
According to management, the refinery has begun processing crude oil under a phased operational approach. This method allows engineers and operators to stabilize systems gradually, monitor performance, and address technical challenges before scaling up to full production capacity. Refined petroleum products from the initial runs are already being sent into storage — a development that has not occurred at TOR for years.
As part of the restart, a new furnace is expected to be commissioned in the coming weeks to boost output. Once fully operational, the refinery is projected to return to its original capacity of about 45,000 barrels per day, with plans for further expansion in the medium term.
The resumption of TOR’s operations is expected to reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products, which has cost the country billions of dollars annually. By refining crude oil locally, the refinery is also expected to contribute to price stability, foreign exchange savings, and job creation within the downstream petroleum sector.
Energy analysts have described the development as a positive step toward achieving energy security and reviving state-owned industrial assets. However, they stress the need for consistent crude oil supply, efficient management, and financial discipline to ensure the refinery operates sustainably and avoids future shutdown.
Government officials say the revival of the Tema Oil Refinery aligns with broader plans to strengthen local production, improve infrastructure, and enhance Ghana’s self-sufficiency in the energy sector.
The refinery’s management has assured the public that operations will continue to ramp up steadily, with safety and efficiency remaining top priorities as TOR works toward full recommissioning.
