Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has received one million barrels of Ghana’s indigenous Jubilee crude, marking another major step in the government’s renewed push to revive domestic refining and strengthen value addition within the country’s petroleum sector.
The cargo, delivered aboard MT Apache on 15 July 2026, represents the latest crude allocation to the state-owned refinery under the government’s strategy of processing more Ghanaian-produced crude locally rather than exporting it in its raw form.
According to a statement issued by TOR on Thursday, the latest shipment fulfils President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to ensuring that crude produced in Ghana is refined domestically to maximise economic value, enhance energy security and support industrial development.
The refinery noted that the Jubilee crude delivery follows sustained government efforts to restore operations at TOR and reinforce the link between Ghana’s upstream petroleum production and downstream refining industry.
Third crude cargo since refinery revival
The Jubilee cargo becomes the third one-million-barrel crude consignment delivered to TOR since May 2026, following earlier deliveries of Bonga and Baleine crude.
According to the refinery, the successive crude supplies have enabled continued production of petroleum products for both Ghanaian consumers and regional markets, supporting efforts to improve domestic fuel supply while reducing dependence on imported refined products.
The refinery also highlighted the historical significance of the latest delivery, noting that it is the second one-million-barrel consignment of Ghanaian indigenous crude supplied to TOR under President Mahama’s administration.
Today marks another significant milestone in the revitalization of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) as the Refinery receives one million barrels of Ghana’s indigenous Jubilee Sweet Crude.
Tema Oil Refinery
TOR explained that the first such delivery occurred in December 2016, when one million barrels of Ghanaian crude were supplied aboard MT Bodeira during President Mahama’s first term in office.
According to the refinery, the latest shipment reflects government’s continuing commitment to building an integrated petroleum value chain that retains greater value from Ghana’s hydrocarbon resources within the domestic economy.
Local refining central to government’s strategy
The latest crude allocation comes as government places increasing emphasis on strengthening domestic refining capacity as part of broader efforts to reposition Ghana as a petroleum processing and trading hub for West Africa.
Recent policy decisions have focused on increasing local processing of Ghanaian crude, expanding refining infrastructure and reducing reliance on imported petroleum products.
Industry observers say processing indigenous crude domestically has the potential to create additional economic value through refining, logistics, storage and associated downstream industries while supporting employment and foreign exchange savings.
The approach also aligns with government’s wider industrialisation agenda, which seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing by adding value to locally produced natural resources.
TOR said the three crude consignments received since May have allowed the refinery to sustain production for both domestic consumption and regional export markets.
These supplies have enabled the Refinery to continue producing petroleum products for both the domestic and regional markets, advancing Ghana’s energy security while promoting industrialization and value addition.
Tema Oil Refinery
TOR credits Mahama and Energy Ministry
The refinery used the occasion to acknowledge the support received from both the Presidency and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in restoring refining operations.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of its Board, Management and staff, TOR described President Mahama’s continued backing as central to the refinery’s ongoing revival.
We wish to express our profound gratitude to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama for his steadfast commitment, visionary leadership, and unwavering support for the revival of Ghana’s only state-owned refinery.
Tema Oil Refinery
The refinery added that the President’s confidence in TOR continues to inspire management and staff to pursue operational excellence.
TOR also recognised the contribution of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, crediting his leadership with supporting the restoration of refining activities and securing reliable crude supply for the refinery.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, whose tireless leadership, strategic guidance, and continuous support have been instrumental in restoring refining operations and ensuring a reliable supply of crude to the Refinery.
Tema Oil Refinery
Partners recognised as refinery rebuild continues
Beyond government, TOR acknowledged the role played by various stakeholders across the petroleum value chain, including crude suppliers, regulators, financiers, logistics providers and technical partners involved in the refinery’s resurgence.
The refinery specifically recognised Fujeirah and Triangle Trading Commodities among the partners supporting crude supply arrangements.
TOR said collaboration across the industry remains critical as the refinery works to rebuild operational capacity and contribute more significantly to Ghana’s petroleum sector.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government’s vision of creating stronger linkages between upstream oil production and downstream petroleum processing.
According to the statement, that strategy is expected to contribute to job creation, strengthen national energy security, reduce dependence on imported refined products and reinforce Ghana’s ambition of becoming a competitive refining hub for the West African region.
As government continues to pursue greater value addition within the petroleum industry, the arrival of Ghana’s indigenous Jubilee crude at Tema Oil Refinery represents another practical step towards increasing domestic refining while supporting broader objectives of industrialisation, energy security and regional petroleum trade.
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