The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity.

The resumption follows the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), carried out between August 1 and October 30.

The maintenance exercise, completed within three months, was undertaken in line with international engineering, safety, and operational standards, the Managing Director of TOR, Edmond Kombat, disclosed on Facebook.

After the maintenance works, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted comprehensive regulatory inspections and confirmed that TOR met all mandatory safety and operational requirements. The authority has since granted clearance for the refinery to recommence refining activities.

In a statement issued on Saturday, TOR explained that refining operations will initially proceed under a phased approach, ahead of the refinery’s formal recommissioning. This period, the company said, will allow for system stabilisation, performance optimisation and the assurance of sustained operational reliability.

As part of its upgrade programme, TOR has also completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which is expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU in the coming months.

The installation 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. Management further outlined a strategic plan to expand capacity to 60,000 barrels per stream day in the medium term, following the installation of a new air cooler.

The government of Ghana is expected to formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date, with details of the event to be communicated in due course.

TOR expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for what it described as his continued support and leadership in restoring the refinery as a key component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure. The refinery also acknowledged the role of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, citing his technical oversight and policy leadership as instrumental to the revival process.

Commending its board, management and workforce, TOR praised the staff’s resilience and professionalism throughout the restoration journey. The company reaffirmed its commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable operations as it seeks to reclaim its position as a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy sector.