The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has restarted crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a major step in efforts to revive Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The resumption follows the successful completion of extensive Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), carried out between August 1 and October 30, 2025. TOR said the maintenance was completed within schedule and in line with international engineering, safety and operational standards.
After the maintenance works, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted regulatory inspections and cleared the refinery to resume operations, confirming that TOR had met all mandatory safety and operational requirements.
As part of a phased return to full capacity, TOR will operate over the coming months to stabilise its systems and optimise performance ahead of its official recommissioning. Management says this approach is aimed at ensuring reliability and sustainability of operations.
The refinery has also completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which is expected to be commissioned soon and integrated into the CDU. When operational, the upgrade will increase TOR’s refining capacity from the current 28,000 barrels per stream day to its original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day, with plans to expand to 60,000 barrels per stream day in the medium term.
The Government of Ghana is expected to formally commission the new furnace at a later date, with TOR indicating that details of the event will be announced in due course.
In a statement issued on Saturday December 27, TOR attributed the revival to sustained government support, commending President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, for their leadership and oversight in restoring the refinery to operation.
Management also praised the board, staff and other stakeholders for their role in the refinery’s recovery, reaffirming TOR’s commitment to safe, efficient and sustainable operations as it reclaims its place in Ghana’s energy infrastructure.