The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, has inaugurated a new board of directors for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
Among the appointees is Mugabe Saifu Maase, a known pro‑NDC broadcast journalist.

Salifu “Mugabe” Maase earned a reputation as a vocal ally of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), serving as a presenter and General Manager of Power FM.

He gained national attention in 2016 as a member of the controversial “Montie 3” panel, who were convicted for contempt of court and later pardoned, an episode that underscored his polarising presence in political commentary.

At the inauguration, Minister Jinapor emphasised TOR’s strategic importance to national energy security and tasked the board with revitalising the refinery. “Your foremost duty is to get TOR back on stream,” he declared. “TOR is not just another company; it is a vital national asset.”

Board Chairman Hon. Nayon Bilijo affirmed the collective resolve:

“We are honoured by this appointment … We will work with urgency and dedication to revive TOR and make it a viable and efficient institution once more.”

Full List of Appointed TOR Board Members:

Hon. Nayon Bilijo – Chairperson

Edmond Biribia Kombat, Esq. – Acting Managing Director

Thomas Martey Laari – Member

Robert Kempes Ofosuhene – Member

Hon. Dr Sebastian N. Sandaare – Member

Mugabe Saifu Maase – Member

Hon. Mohammed Issah Bataglia – Member

Osabarima Kyei Osafo Kantanka – Member

Political Implications

Mugabe Maase’s inclusion merges robust political commentary experience with corporate governance, signalling a potential trend of integrating media figures with partisan leanings into state enterprises. Having publicly challenged the NDC leadership in recent months, his appointment may elicit both partisan applause and scrutiny of impartiality.