The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, in his recent visits to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), two crucial players in the country’s energy landscape, has admonished the agency to develop Innovative and sustainable strategies to strengthen operational efficiency and resilience.
The minister’s directive to TOR’s management symbolizes the government’s commitment to modernize Ghana’s energy sector and drive innovation in line with the President’s vision for a resilient, secure, and future-ready energy sector.
“I also tasked the Managing Director, Mr. Edmond Kombat and his team, to develop innovative and sustainable strategies to strengthen TOR’s operational efficiency and resilience.”
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor
During the Minister’s visit to Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), he toured the ongoing upgrading works, gaining firsthand and fact-check insight into the current state of the facility.
He noted the agency’s strategic role to Ghana’s energy security and industrial development, but expressed concern about the persistent leadership instability that has hindered its progress over the years.
“I acknowledged the significant progress made over the past nine months, and encouraged management to maintain the momentum.”
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor
Transparency and Infrastructure
The Minister Responsible for Energy also hinted that the erstwhile administration had surreptitiously handed over TOR to a private company for just $22 million.
He described the deal as one that lacked transparency. “This matter has been referred to the Attorney-General for his advice and necessary action,” the Minister announced.
The Minister as part of his engagement, further revealed his plans to engage the Minister for Roads and Highways “to improve access roads within the Tema industrial enclave, a step that will enhance the efficiency of logistics and operations in the area”.
The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has been a crucial player in Ghana’s energy sector since its establishment.
As the country’s sole oil refinery, TOR has been living up to its mandate, responsible for the processing and distribution of petroleum products, serving as a vital nexus in the country’s energy supply chain.
GRIDCo’s Financial Stability and Technical Prowess
Hon. John Jinapor also extended the visit to the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) which has since its establishment, been instrumental in the transmission and distribution of electricity across the country.
GRIDCo has been tasked with the management and operation of Ghana’s national grid, ensuring the reliable and efficient supply of electricity to homes and businesses.
During his visit to GRIDCo, the Minister highlighted concerns over the company’s declining financial position.
“Not too long ago, Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) was financially sound and capable of executing major infrastructure projects using its own balance sheet. Sadly, that is no longer the case.”
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor
Hon Jinapor has, therefore, admonished GRIDCo’s management to take bold steps to restore the company to its former glory, where it stood as a financially stable and technically robust institution.
Government’s Vision for the Energy Sector
The Minister’s visits to Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) “are part of the government’s broader agenda to modernize Ghana’s energy institutions, strengthen governance, and drive innovation in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for a resilient, secure, and future-ready energy sector.”
By addressing the challenges faced by these key energy institutions and charging respective management to develop innovative and sustainable strategies, the government is positioning Ghana’s energy sector for a transformative future.
This strategic approach aligns with the President’s commitment to achieving the country’s energy security, industrial development, and environmental sustainability agenda and that of the global Sustainable Development Goal i.e SDG7 which is geared toward a clean and affordable energy for all.
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