The Tema Oil Refinery has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a significant milestone in efforts to revitalize Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector and strengthen national energy security. The facility is currently operating at about 28,000 barrels per stream day as part of a phased return to full capacity.
The resumption follows the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit, carried out over three months from August 1 to October 30, 2025. The maintenance exercise involved extensive repairs, inspections, and upgrades to critical systems, executed in strict adherence to international engineering, safety, and operational standards.
After completion of the maintenance work, the National Petroleum Authority conducted comprehensive regulatory inspections at the refinery to assess its readiness for operations. The NPA subsequently confirmed TOR’s full compliance with all mandatory safety and operational requirements and granted clearance for the refinery to resume crude oil processing.
According to a press statement dated December 27, 2025, TOR management indicated that the refinery will continue operating in the coming months to stabilize systems, optimize performance, and ensure sustained operational reliability ahead of its official recommissioning. The company has completed the installation of a new furnace, known as F-61, which is expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU in the near future. The installation of this new furnace is projected to restore the refinery’s original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day.
Management also outlined plans to expand production capacity to 60,000 barrels per stream day in the medium term, following the installation of a new air-cooler. The government is expected to formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date to be communicated to stakeholders and the general public.
TOR management expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his support, leadership, and commitment to restoring the refinery as a critical component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure. They also acknowledged the role of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, noting that his policy leadership, technical oversight, and hands-on engagement were instrumental in bringing TOR back to operational life.
Source: graphic.com.gh