The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a significant milestone in the revival of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The resumption follows the successful completion of major turnaround maintenance works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU). The maintenance exercise, carried out between August 1 and October 30, 2025, was completed within three months and executed in line with international engineering, safety, and operational standards.
After the maintenance phase, the National Petroleum Authority conducted extensive regulatory inspections and confirmed that the refinery had met all mandatory safety and operational requirements. The clearance paved the way for TOR to restart refining activities.
The refinery is currently operating under a phased approach as it works toward full operational capacity. Management says the ongoing operations are aimed at stabilising systems, optimising performance, and ensuring long-term operational reliability ahead of a formal recommissioning.
As part of the upgrade programme, TOR 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 coming months. The new furnace is projected to restore the refinery’s original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day, up from the current operating level of 28,000 barrels per stream day. In the medium term, TOR plans to further expand capacity to 60,000 barrels per stream day following the installation of a new air-cooler system.
The Government of Ghana is expected to formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date, with details to be announced in due course.
TOR management attributed the refinery’s revival to sustained government support, describing the restart as a critical step toward strengthening Ghana’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products. The refinery also acknowledged the role of its board, management, and workforce, crediting their resilience and technical commitment throughout the restoration process.
With operations now resumed, TOR says it is focused on maintaining safe, efficient, and sustainable refining activities as it reclaims its position as a key component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.
More Read
