The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a significant milestone in efforts to revive Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The resumption follows the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU).
The maintenance, carried out between August 1 and October 30, 2025, was completed within three months and adhered to international engineering, safety and operational standards, according to TOR.
After the maintenance works, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted regulatory inspections and confirmed that the refinery met all mandatory safety and operational requirements.
The NPA subsequently granted clearance for TOR to restart refining activities.
TOR said it will operate in phases over the coming months ahead of an official recommissioning, focusing on stabilizing systems, optimizing performance and ensuring long-term operational reliability.
As part of its upgrade programme, the refinery has also completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which is expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU soon.
The new furnace is expected to increase TOR’s production capacity from the current 28,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd) to its original nameplate capacity of 45,000 bpsd.
Management also outlined plans to further expand capacity to 60,000 bpsd in the medium term, following the installation of a new air-cooler.
The Government of Ghana is expected to formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date. TOR said details of the commissioning ceremony will be communicated in due course.
In a statement, TOR expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his support and leadership toward restoring the refinery.
The company also acknowledged the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, for his technical oversight and policy direction during the rehabilitation process.
TOR further commended its board, management and staff for their resilience and commitment throughout the revival process, and thanked the government, stakeholders and the public for their continued support.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to safe, efficient and sustainable operations as it works to re-establish itself as a key component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
