President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), marking the refinery’s return to full operations and describing the milestone as a major step towards strengthening Ghana’s industrial capacity and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
The commissioning ceremony on Saturday, August 1, also marked the successful processing of one million barrels of locally produced Jubilee Field Medium Sweet crude oil into finished petroleum products, signalling a renewed phase in the operations of the state-owned refinery.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama said the rehabilitation of the CDU, the restoration of the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit, the installation of a new F-61 crude heater, and the return of Boiler Number Eight to service represented more than engineering accomplishments.
According to him, the projects demonstrate renewed confidence in Ghana’s industrial capabilities and the country’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that will benefit future generations.
“Every investment made here strengthens our national resilience. Every improvement in refining capacity reduces our dependence on imported petroleum products,” the President stated.
President Mahama said the refinery’s return to production fulfilled the vision of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who established the facility in 1963 to drive industrialisation and energy security.
He noted that although TOR had experienced periods of success and decline over the decades, its revival proves that state-owned enterprises can thrive under effective leadership and sound management.
The President argued that the refinery’s resurgence had disproved the perception that state-owned enterprises could only survive through privatisation.
He further alleged that the previous administration had planned to lease the refinery for 15 years for $22 million, but said the determination of TOR workers prevented the move.
“But today, to the glory of God, a determined management and board, together with dedicated workers and strategic partners, have turned the fortunes of this refinery around,” he said.
President Mahama stressed that the turnaround had been achieved without any financial bailout from the government.
“TOR has achieved all this on its own. The Government of Ghana has not put a single cedi into this rebound,” he stated.
GNA