Ghana’s sole state-owned refinery, the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after a period of inactivity, marking a significant milestone in the country’s downstream petroleum sector and energy security drive.
In a statement dated December 22, 2025, TOR announced that the restart follows the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU). The maintenance exercise, which ran from August 1 to October 30, 2025, was executed within three months and in strict compliance with international engineering, safety and operational standards.
Following the completion of the TAM, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) carried out comprehensive regulatory inspections and confirmed that the refinery had fully met all mandatory safety and operational requirements. The clearance subsequently granted by the NPA paved the way for the resumption of refining activities.
Refining operations officially commenced on Friday, December 19, 2025, with all lines of petroleum products going into storage for the first time in several years. TOR described the development as a historic moment in the long-awaited revitalisation of Ghana’s downstream petroleum infrastructure.
As part of a phased transition towards full operational capacity, the refinery will continue to operate over the coming months to stabilise systems, optimise performance, and ensure sustained reliability ahead of full recommissioning.
A key component of the refinery’s revival is the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which is expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU in the coming weeks. Once operational, the furnace will enable TOR to restore its original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day, up from the current operating level of 28,000 barrels per stream day. The refinery also outlined a clear medium-term plan to expand capacity further to 60,000 barrels per stream day, following the installation of a new air-cooler.
The Government of Ghana is expected to formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date, with details of the event to be communicated to stakeholders and the general public in due course.
TOR expressed deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his continued support, vision and leadership, describing his commitment as instrumental to restoring the refinery as a critical pillar of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.
The refinery also commended the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, for his dedication, technical oversight and policy leadership, noting that his hands-on engagement ensured effective alignment between technical execution and national energy priorities.
Further commendation was extended to TOR’s Board of Directors, management and entire workforce for their professionalism, resilience and unwavering commitment throughout the revival process. Management reaffirmed its determination to sustain the refinery’s renewed operational momentum and deliver excellence across all aspects of performance.
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The resumption of operations at TOR is expected to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products, enhance foreign exchange savings and strengthen national energy security, at a time when efficiency and self-sufficiency remain central to the country’s economic recovery agenda.
Author: Edem Latsu Nukafu
Edem Latsu Nukafu, a passionate communications professional dedicated to public relations, journalism, media strategy, and content development. He holds both a Diploma and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Media, Arts and Communication – UniMAC-IJ. A member of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
