TOR Resumes Refining Operations After Years of Inactivity

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Ltd. has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a major milestone in the revival of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector and the strengthening of the country’s energy security.

The resumption follows the successful completion of extensive Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU). The maintenance exercise, which ran from 1st August 2025 to 30th October 2025, was executed within three months and in strict adherence to international engineering, safety, and operational standards.

Upon completion of the TAM, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted comprehensive regulatory and safety inspections. After confirming TOR’s full compliance with all mandatory requirements, the NPA granted the necessary clearance for the refinery to restart operations.

Refining activities officially commenced on Friday, 19th December 2025, with all lines of petroleum products successfully directed to storage for the first time in several years. This development signals a renewed operational phase for the refinery and a significant step toward restoring domestic refining capacity.

TOR has indicated that operations will continue in a phased manner ahead of the refinery’s formal recommissioning. Over the coming months, the focus will be on system stabilization, performance optimization, and ensuring long-term operational reliability.

As part of ongoing modernization efforts, 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. This critical upgrade will enable the refinery to restore its original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd), up from the current operating level of 28,000 bpsd. Additionally, TOR has outlined a clear strategic plan to further expand capacity to 60,000 bpsd in the medium term, following the installation of a new air-cooler.

The Government of Ghana will formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date, with details of the commissioning ceremony to be communicated to stakeholders and the general public in due course.

Management of TOR expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for his continued support, leadership, and commitment to restoring the refinery as a critical pillar of Ghana’s energy infrastructure. The refinery also acknowledged the role of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), whose technical oversight, policy leadership, and consistent engagement were described as instrumental in returning TOR to operational life.

TOR further commended its Board of Directors, management, and entire workforce for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication throughout the revival process. Management reaffirmed staff commitment to sustaining the refinery’s renewed momentum and achieving excellence across all areas of operation.

The Board and Management of TOR Ltd. also extended gratitude to the Government of Ghana, key stakeholders, and the Ghanaian public for their confidence and continued support during the refinery’s revival journey.