By Zobia Zulfqar 
President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), marking the return of the state-owned refinery to full operation after a major rehabilitation programme.
The commissioning also marked the processing of one million barrels of locally produced Jubilee Field Medium Sweet Crude oil into refined petroleum products, a milestone expected to strengthen Ghana’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
Addressing dignitaries, industry stakeholders and refinery workers during the ceremony in Tema, President Mahama described the rehabilitation of the refinery as a major step in rebuilding Ghana’s industrial capacity and restoring confidence in one of the country’s most strategic national assets.
He said the successful restoration of the Crude Distillation Unit, the rehabilitation of the Residual Fuel Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units, the installation of the new F 61 crude heater and the return of Boiler Number Eight to service represented far more than engineering achievements.
According to the President, the project reflects Ghana’s determination to invest in critical infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and improving the country’s long-term energy resilience.
He noted that the refinery’s return to full operation would contribute significantly to reducing fuel import costs, creating jobs and strengthening the local petroleum value chain.
President Mahama said the rehabilitation demonstrated what could be achieved through careful planning, technical expertise and sustained investment in strategic national infrastructure. He added that the refinery would once again play an important role in supporting Ghana’s industrialisation agenda while ensuring a more reliable supply of petroleum products.
The President also emphasized the importance of processing locally produced crude oil within Ghana instead of relying heavily on overseas refineries. He said adding value to the country’s natural resources locally would create employment opportunities, increase industrial activity and retain more economic benefits within the national economy.
Government officials explained that the processing of one million barrels of Jubilee Field Medium Sweet Crude marks the beginning of a new operational phase for the refinery. The move is expected to improve domestic fuel production while reducing exposure to international supply disruptions and fluctuating import prices.
Officials further stated that the refurbishment programme forms part of broader efforts to modernise Ghana’s energy infrastructure and position the Tema Oil Refinery as a competitive player within the regional petroleum industry.
Industry experts believe restoring the refinery’s full operational capacity will enhance Ghana’s energy independence by increasing local refining capability. The facility is expected to produce a range of refined petroleum products for domestic consumption, helping reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves used for fuel imports.
The refinery’s renewed operations are also expected to stimulate business activity across the downstream petroleum sector. Companies involved in fuel distribution, transportation, storage and logistics are likely to benefit from increased local production and improved supply reliability.
President Mahama commended the engineers, technicians and management of the Tema Oil Refinery for their dedication throughout the rehabilitation process. He praised their commitment to restoring the facility despite the technical and financial challenges involved in the project.
He urged management to maintain the upgraded infrastructure through regular maintenance and sound operational practices to ensure the refinery continues operating efficiently for many years. He also encouraged continued investment in technology and workforce development to keep the facility competitive.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s energy sector through strategic investments in refining, power generation and energy infrastructure. He said reliable energy remains essential for industrial growth, private sector expansion and national economic transformation.
The commissioning of the refurbished Tema Oil Refinery marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s petroleum industry. With the refinery back in full operation and processing locally produced crude oil, government officials believe the country is better positioned to improve energy security, support industrial development and strengthen its long-term economic resilience.
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