President John Dramani has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to rebuilding Ghana’s strategic industries, declaring that the successful revival of the > (TOR) signals the dawn of a new era of industrial transformation, energy security and economic self-reliance.
Commissioning the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit at the refinery in Tema, President Mahama described the occasion as more than the reopening of an industrial facility. He said it symbolises the restoration of national confidence in Ghana’s ability to rebuild and manage critical state institutions through visionary leadership, professional management and the expertise of Ghanaian workers.
The President reflected on TOR’s difficult years, noting that although the refinery had become a symbol of decline, it now stands as proof that state-owned enterprises can succeed when guided by discipline, competence and a clear national vision. He praised the resilience of the refinery’s workers, management and board for refusing to allow the strategic national asset to deteriorate or be abandoned.
President Mahama stressed that his administration deliberately chose to restore the refinery instead of giving up on it, insisting that nations seeking industrial growth do not discard strategic institutions during challenging times but reform and strengthen them to serve future generations. Read Also: Loveworld Launches $1m Fund to Expand Businesses
He said the revival of TOR forms part of the government’s RESET Agenda, which aims to restore confidence in public institutions, rebuild national capacity and create sustainable opportunities for economic growth. According to him, the refinery’s return to full operations demonstrates Ghana’s determination to transform its natural resources into jobs, value addition and long-term prosperity.
The President noted that a functioning refinery is essential for national development because it strengthens energy security, supports industrialisation, promotes technological advancement and creates employment while reducing dependence on imported petroleum products. He reiterated that prosperous nations are built by adding value to their own resources rather than exporting raw materials.
President Mahama also commended the refinery’s Ghanaian engineers, technicians and staff for proving that local expertise is capable of successfully operating and managing a world-class refinery.
Looking ahead, he announced plans to make TOR more competitive, efficient and commercially viable, positioning it as a major driver of Ghana’s industrial future and a strategic petroleum refining and logistics hub for West Africa. He directed the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the refinery’s leadership to prepare a comprehensive strategy to expand the refinery and support regional trade, manufacturing and value addition. https://theexclusiveonline.com/
He further stated that the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative will place institutions such as TOR at the centre of industrial expansion, job creation and increased competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Earlier, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, credited the refinery’s remarkable turnaround to President Mahama’s decisive leadership and unwavering confidence in Ghanaian professionals.
According to the Minister, shortly after assuming office, the President directed the Energy Ministry to work with TOR’s management to restore the refinery instead of pursuing plans to hand over the strategic national asset to external operators. He said that decision became the turning point in the refinery’s revival.
Hon. Jinapor said the successful rehabilitation of TOR demonstrates that with focused leadership, clear vision and committed workers, Ghana can overcome even its most difficult industrial challenges. He emphasised that the refinery’s revival is not only about restarting operations but also about refining Ghana’s own crude oil, adding value locally, creating jobs and strengthening the country’s energy independence.
The Minister praised the Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, the board and the entire workforce for their professionalism, commitment and teamwork, describing the relationship between management and the board as a model worthy of emulation by other state institutions.
He also commended the dedication of the refinery’s staff, noting that their determination and around-the-clock efforts have restored confidence in TOR and demonstrated the capacity of Ghanaian engineers and technicians to manage complex industrial facilities without reliance on expatriate expertise.
Hon. Jinapor further revealed that the government remains committed to ensuring a reliable supply of crude oil to sustain refinery operations while pursuing broader reforms aimed at making Ghana self-reliant in petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading exporter of refined petroleum products within the West African sub-region.
He added that under President Mahama’s leadership, the government is pursuing innovative policies to maximise local value, strengthen the Ghanaian currency and reduce dependence on foreign exchange in petroleum transactions, all as part of a broader agenda to build a resilient and self-sustaining energy sector.
Together, the statements by President Mahama and the Energy Minister underscored a shared vision of transforming Tema Oil Refinery from a revived national asset into one of the most competitive and strategically important refineries in West Africa, capable of driving Ghana’s industrialisation, enhancing energy security and supporting regional economic growth.
