The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the revival of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), describing the refinery’s return to full operations as critical to Ghana’s energy security, price stability and foreign exchange management.
This assurance was given during a working visit by a high-powered NPA delegation to TOR. The delegation was led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., and formed part of regulatory oversight following approval for the refinery to resume full operations.
“I will be the number one champion for the need to support TOR, because if TOR is working, it makes my work easier,” Mr. Tameklo stated, reaffirming his personal and institutional commitment to the refinery’s success.
Commending TOR’s leadership and workforce, Mr. Tameklo emphasised that the refinery’s revival goes beyond operational recovery to deliver broader national benefits.
According to him, a fully functional TOR plays a strategic role in stabilising fuel prices and reducing Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
He noted that increased local refining capacity translates directly into foreign exchange savings, easing pressure on the cedi and strengthening macroeconomic stability.
These gains, he said, underline why TOR’s restoration remains a national priority within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
Lessons from Dangote Refinery
Drawing on insights from a recent visit to Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, Mr. Tameklo highlighted the importance of scale, efficiency and modernisation in refinery operations.
He stressed that TOR’s long-term competitiveness will depend on embracing modern technology and automation.
According to him, automation is essential to reducing operational risks and improving efficiency. “No one should be sent to go and turn a valve,” he said, underscoring the need for systems that minimise manual intervention and enhance safety.
He further stressed that the responsibility for safeguarding TOR’s assets rests jointly with management and regulators.
“We must be mindful of our responsibility to ensure that we do not say ‘proceed’ when what is required is ‘stop work’, because the integrity of the plant must not be compromised.”
Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of the Authority
During the visit, the NPA delegation toured key operational facilities at the refinery to assess progress and verify compliance with regulatory requirements.
The inspection formed part of the Authority’s mandate to ensure that TOR’s return to operations is safe, efficient and sustainable.
The visit concluded with a detailed facility tour to confirm that the refinery is operational and meeting all regulatory standards. Officials from the NPA expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance observed during the inspection.
TOR Management Applauds NPA’s Role
In a meeting with the NPA delegation, TOR’s Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, Esq., together with the General Management team, expressed appreciation for the Authority’s support throughout the refinery’s revival journey.
Mr. Kombat noted that effective laycan management has significantly improved operations, resulting in fully stocked storage tanks. He described this as clear evidence of improved efficiency and operational discipline at the refinery.
“The NPA under his abled leadership has been instrumental in the refinery’s revival journey. We remain grateful to our regulator for the continued support to help strengthen Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.”
Edmond Kombat, Esq., TOR’s Managing Director
He added that the collaboration between TOR and the NPA reflects a shared commitment to restoring the refinery to full, sustainable operations in the national interest.
Strengthening Collaboration in the Downstream Sector
Both TOR and the NPA described the visit as a demonstration of strong regulatory collaboration and mutual accountability. Officials said such engagements are critical to ensuring transparency, compliance and continuous improvement within Ghana’s petroleum value chain.
“The visit underscored strong regulatory collaboration and a shared commitment to restoring TOR to full, sustainable operations in the national interest.”
Edmond Kombat, Esq., TOR’s Managing Director
Industry analysts say sustained cooperation between regulators and operators will be essential to protecting investments made in reviving TOR and preventing a repeat of past operational setbacks.
Strategic Importance of TOR’s Return
As Ghana’s premier refinery, TOR’s return to full operations is expected to deliver substantial national benefits. These include improved energy security through reliable domestic supply, greater stability in fuel pricing, job creation and more efficient management of foreign exchange.
With regulatory backing firmly in place, stakeholders believe TOR is positioned to reclaim its role as a cornerstone of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
For the NPA, the focus remains on ensuring that safety, efficiency and operational integrity are not compromised as the refinery ramps up activity.
As Ghana continues to pursue energy sector reforms, the renewed partnership between TOR and the NPA is being viewed as a critical step toward building a resilient, modern and nationally beneficial petroleum industry.
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