Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., on Thursday paid a working visit to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) following the recent restart of crude refining at the facility, which had been dormant for more than six years.
The restart follows major maintenance work at the refinery.
The CEO, accompanied by his deputies and other senior officials of the Authority, toured key operational facilities to assess progress and verify compliance following the NPA’s approval for the refinery to resume operations.
The refinery is currently processing 28,000 barrels per stream day, and management hopes to bring additional units back online to increase processing capacity to 45,000 barrels per stream day and eventually 55,000 barrels per stream day.
During a meeting with the Managing Director of TOR, Edmond Kombat, Esq., and the general management team, TOR management expressed appreciation for the NPA’s instrumental support in the refinery’s revival.
The Managing Director noted that effective laycan management has resulted in fully stocked tanks—clear evidence of improved operational efficiency.
Commending TOR’s leadership and workforce, Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed his commitment to championing the refinery’s restoration, stating: “I will be the number one champion for the need to support TOR, because if TOR is working, it makes my work easier.”
Drawing on insights from his recent visit to the Dangote Refinery, Mr. Tameklo highlighted the imperative for scale, efficiency, and modernisation. He underscored the importance of automation, noting that “no one should be sent to go and turn a valve.”
He further stressed the shared responsibility of the NPA and TOR to safeguard plant integrity, cautioning that approvals must be grounded in safety and operational readiness: “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.”
Mr. Tameklo also emphasised the broader impact of TOR’s revival on Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, including enhanced price stability and significant foreign exchange savings through reduced reliance on imported petroleum products.
The visit concluded with a facility tour to confirm that TOR is operational and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.
TOR management expressed sincere appreciation to the CEO and management of the NPA for their continued support.
The Tema Oil Refinery’s return to full operations is expected to deliver substantial national benefits, including strengthened energy security, stabilised fuel prices, job creation, and improved foreign exchange management.
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