The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to transforming the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) into a modern, efficient and commercially competitive refinery capable of driving Ghana’s industrialisation and serving the wider West African market. https://www.myjoyonline.com/
Speaking at the commissioning of the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and other rehabilitated facilities at TOR, Dr. Jinapor described the event as a historic milestone that marks not only the restoration of critical infrastructure but also the revival of confidence in one of Ghana’s most strategic national assets.
He said the refinery’s resurgence demonstrates government’s determination to rebuild key state institutions and strengthen Ghana’s energy security through local refining and value addition.
According to the Minister, TOR has played a pivotal role in Ghana’s development for more than six decades by supporting industries, creating employment, training generations of Ghanaian engineers and technicians, and supplying petroleum products that power the nation’s economy.
He stressed that a strong refinery is essential to reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products, conserving foreign exchange, promoting local content and stimulating growth across the petroleum value chain.
Dr. Jinapor praised the Governing Board, Managing Director Edmond Kombat, management, engineers, technicians and staff for their professionalism, resilience and dedication in restoring the refinery. He noted that the successful rehabilitation of the Crude Distillation Unit and the processing of Ghana’s indigenous crude oil are clear evidence of disciplined leadership, sound financial management and technical excellence.
The Minister said government’s vision is to position TOR as a financially sustainable refinery that meets Ghana’s petroleum needs while becoming a major refining hub for the West African sub-region.
He explained that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition will continue implementing policies that attract investment, strengthen corporate governance, improve operational efficiency, promote innovation and expand local participation in the downstream petroleum industry.
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Dr. Jinapor observed that recent global conflicts and supply chain disruptions have reinforced the importance of energy security, stressing that countries must build the capacity to refine their own crude oil and maintain reliable fuel supplies.
He assured Ghanaians that government remains committed to expanding domestic refining, creating skilled jobs, strengthening industrial development and ensuring that the country derives greater value from its natural resources.
While celebrating the refinery’s remarkable progress, the Minister noted that more work remains to be done, including completing the rehabilitation of the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit to restore TOR’s full processing capacity and broaden its range of petroleum products.
He added that the refinery’s modernization aligns with Ghana’s Green Transition Agenda, emphasizing that a cleaner, more efficient refinery complements the country’s renewable energy ambitions while supporting economic growth.
Dr. Jinapor concluded that the successful revival of TOR demonstrates what visionary leadership, sound governance and committed professionals can achieve when united by a shared national purpose, expressing confidence that the refinery will continue to play a central role in Ghana’s energy security, industrial transformation and long-term economic prosperity
