The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has commended the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for its rapid revival and improved operational efficiency following approval to resume full operations.

On Thursday, January 15, 2025, a high-level delegation from the NPA, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., paid a working visit to the refinery to assess progress and verify compliance with regulatory requirements.

The delegation toured key operational facilities at TOR as part of the inspection exercise.

During a meeting with TOR’s Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, Esq., and the General Management team, management of the refinery expressed appreciation to the NPA for its critical role in supporting TOR’s restoration process.

Mr. Kombat noted that improved laycan management has resulted in fully stocked storage tanks, describing it as clear evidence of enhanced operational efficiency.

Commending the leadership and workforce of TOR, Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the refinery’s continued support and sustainability.

“I will be the number one champion for the need to support TOR, because if TOR is working, it makes my work easier,” he stated.

Reflecting on lessons from a recent visit to Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, the NPA CEO stressed the importance of scale, efficiency, and modernisation in refinery operations. He underscored the need for increased automation, noting that operational systems should minimise manual intervention.

“No one should be sent to go and turn a valve,” Mr. Tameklo remarked.

He further highlighted the shared responsibility between the NPA and TOR to protect the integrity of the plant, stressing that regulatory approvals must always prioritise safety and operational readiness.

“We must be mindful of our responsibility to ensure that we do not say ‘proceed’ when what is required is ‘stop work’, because the integrity of the plant must not be compromised,” he cautioned.

Mr. Tameklo also emphasised the wider benefits of TOR’s revival to Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, including improved fuel price stability and substantial foreign exchange savings through reduced dependence on imported petroleum products.

The visit concluded with a comprehensive tour of the facility to confirm that the refinery is operational and fully compliant with regulatory standards. Management of TOR expressed sincere appreciation to the NPA leadership for its continued guidance and support.

As Ghana’s premier oil refinery, TOR’s return to full operations is expected to deliver significant national benefits, including enhanced energy security, job creation, improved fuel supply stability, and stronger foreign exchange management.