President Mahama Commissions Refurbished Tema Oil Refinery Facilities

President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the refurbished processing facilities at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), describing the development as a major step in the government’s drive to revive Ghana’s industrial sector and strengthen the country’s energy security.

The commissioning ceremony coincided with the arrival of the first one-million-barrel cargo of Ghana’s indigenous Jubilee Medium Sweet crude for domestic refining.

Government says the move forms part of its strategy to ensure more of the country’s crude oil is processed locally to create value, reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products and support industrial growth.

The latest shipment follows recent efforts to restore operations at Ghana’s only state-owned refinery after years of intermittent inactivity.

President Mahama praised the Board, management and staff of TOR for restoring refinery operations without direct financial support from the government.

He said the achievement reflects disciplined leadership, sound corporate governance and the resilience of Ghanaian professionals.

The President added that the refinery’s revival demonstrates that Ghana could rebuild key national institutions while maximising the value of its natural resources.

As part of the government's reset agenda, President Mahama announced plans to increase TOR’s refining capacity to 100,000 barrels per day, strengthen its operational independence and position the refinery as a strategic petroleum refining, storage and logistics hub for West Africa.

He said the long-term objective is to build a more competitive downstream petroleum industry that supports economic growth and enhances national energy security.