The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a major milestone in efforts to revive Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector and enhance national energy security.
The restart follows the successful completion of a comprehensive Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) programme on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), which was undertaken over a three-month period from August 1 to October 30, 2025. The maintenance works are expected to yield positive outcomes for fuel availability, foreign exchange savings, job creation, and the overall stability of the country’s petroleum supply chain.
In a press statement dated December 27, 2025, TOR said the TAM involved extensive repairs, inspections, and upgrades to critical systems, all carried out in strict compliance with international engineering, safety, and operational standards.
Following the completion of the maintenance exercise, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted comprehensive regulatory inspections to assess the refinery’s operational readiness. TOR said the NPA subsequently confirmed full compliance with all mandatory safety and operational requirements and granted approval for the resumption of crude oil processing.
As part of a phased return to full operations, the refinery is currently running at approximately 28,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd). Management indicated that operations would continue in the coming months to stabilise systems, optimise performance, and ensure sustained reliability ahead of the refinery’s official recommissioning.
The statement further disclosed that TOR has completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which is expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU in the near future. According to management, the new furnace is projected to restore the refinery’s original nameplate capacity of 45,000 bpsd.
Beyond this, TOR has outlined plans to expand production capacity to 60,000 bpsd in the medium term following the installation of a new air-cooler. Government is expected to formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date to be communicated to stakeholders and the general public.
Management expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his support, leadership, and commitment to restoring TOR as a critical component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure. It also commended the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, for his policy direction, technical oversight, and hands-on engagement, which were described as instrumental in returning the refinery to operational status.
The statement further praised the board, management, and workforce of TOR for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication throughout what it described as a challenging but ultimately rewarding revival process.
Management reaffirmed TOR’s commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable operations as the refinery reclaims its position as a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy sector.
