The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), has lauded the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for its bold reliance on Ghanaian engineers and technologists in the ongoing rehabilitation of the country’s premier oil refinery.
During a working visit to the facility, a delegation led by IET-GH President, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, expressed confidence that TOR’s revival—driven largely by local expertise—signaled a renewed era of self-reliance and technical competence in Ghana’s industrial sector.
Receiving the delegation, TOR Managing Director, Lawyer Edmond Kombat, thanked IET-GH for the visit, describing it as “timely and reassuring.” He noted that a significant number of IET-GH members were currently involved in the refinery’s rehabilitation, a project he said was a “strategic pillar” in the government’s Reset Agenda aimed at rebuilding the economy and expanding local employment opportunities.
Lawyer Kombat emphasized TOR’s readiness to deepen collaboration with IET-GH to enhance professional development and certification for its technical staff. “We are committed to developing our human resource capacity through partnerships with institutions like IET-GH to ensure sustained operational excellence,” he stated.
In his remarks, Engr. Boateng commended TOR’s leadership for entrusting the refinery’s complex technical works to local engineers—a move he described as both “patriotic and visionary.” He said the initiative had demonstrated that Ghanaian engineers possess the competence and dedication to handle highly technical national projects.
“This project is not just about restoring refinery operations—it’s a statement of confidence in Ghanaian ingenuity,” Engr. Boateng said. “Our engineers are proving that given the opportunity, they can deliver world-class solutions right here at home.”
He encouraged TOR staff to maintain unity and discipline throughout the rehabilitation phase, urging them to view themselves as partners in Ghana’s broader economic renewal. “You are part of the Reset Agenda—your success here is Ghana’s success,” he added.
Engr. Wonder Davor, IET-GH President-Elect, also praised TOR’s management for their foresight and commitment to local capacity building, while Engr. Dr. Miriam Eduful, a leading advocate for women in engineering, reminded staff of the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering strictly to protective protocols on-site.
As part of the engagement, Lawyer Kombat announced plans to introduce a structured TOR Training Programme that will offer hands-on industrial learning opportunities to students from KNUST, UENR, UMaT, and other technical universities. He also revealed a forthcoming partnership with Middle Eastern refineries to train about 5,000 Ghanaian engineers across various disciplines beginning next year.
The IET-GH delegation was later conducted on a tour of key operational units—including the distillation, reforming, and power generation plants—by Ing. Abraham Quayson, one of TOR’s lead engineers. The team observed that several complex maintenance operations previously outsourced to foreign experts had now been successfully completed by Ghanaian engineers, saving the refinery substantial foreign exchange.
Engr. Boateng concluded the visit by commending TOR’s leadership for integrating environmental protection into its restoration agenda. He expressed optimism that the refinery’s successful restart would not only boost Ghana’s energy security but also stand as a testament to the capability and resilience of Ghanaian engineers.
“TOR’s rebirth is symbolic—it represents Ghana’s march towards technical independence, industrial growth, and national pride,” Engr. Boateng affirmed.
The IET-GH delegation included senior members of the engineering fraternity and representatives from its regional branches, underscoring the Institution’s commitment to supporting strategic national projects that highlight local engineering excellence.
