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By Naillatu Iddirisu
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has commended the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for what it described as significant and rapid progress in restoring full operational capacity, following regulatory approval for the refinery to resume operations.
A high-level delegation from the NPA, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., paid a working visit to the refinery to assess operational readiness and verify compliance with regulatory and safety requirements. The visit included inspections of key processing and storage facilities to ascertain the refinery’s current operational status.
During a meeting with TOR’s Managing Director, Mr. Edmond Kombat, Esq., and the refinery’s General Management team, management of TOR expressed appreciation for the NPA’s oversight and strategic support, which it credited as a major catalyst in the ongoing revival process. The Managing Director indicated that improved laycan management and scheduling efficiencies have led to fully stocked storage tanks, reflecting enhanced operational discipline and stability.
Mr. Tameklo praised the leadership of TOR and the dedication of its workforce, reiterating his personal commitment to supporting the refinery’s long-term restoration and sustainability. He noted that a fully functional TOR plays a critical role in strengthening regulatory efficiency within the downstream petroleum sector.
“I will be the number one champion for the need to support TOR, because if TOR is working, it makes my work easier,” the NPA Chief Executive stated.
Referencing lessons from his recent visit to Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, Mr. Tameklo underscored the necessity for scale, modernisation and efficiency in refinery operations. He highlighted the importance of automation to improve safety and operational reliability, stressing that manual interventions in critical plant processes should be minimised.
He further cautioned that regulatory approvals must be guided strictly by safety considerations and operational integrity, noting that both the NPA and TOR share responsibility in ensuring that production timelines do not override plant safety. According to him, regulatory decisions must be firm enough to halt operations where necessary to prevent system failures and potential safety risks.
The NPA CEO also emphasised the broader economic and sectoral benefits of TOR’s revival, pointing to its potential to stabilise fuel prices and reduce pressure on Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves by cutting down on the importation of refined petroleum products.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the refinery’s operational units to confirm regulatory compliance and functional readiness. Management of TOR expressed gratitude to the NPA leadership for its continued engagement and technical guidance throughout the revival process.
As Ghana’s only state-owned refinery, the Tema Oil Refinery’s return to sustained operations is expected to significantly enhance national energy security, support downstream market stability, create employment opportunities and contribute to improved foreign exchange management.
