President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to restructure the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ghana's petroleum sector and insulate the state-owned refinery from political interference.
The announcement was made on Saturday, August 1, 2026, during the commissioning of TOR's refurbished facilities and the processing of the refinery's first shipment of locally produced Jubilee Field crude oil. Describing the occasion as a turning point for Ghana's energy sector, the President said the restructuring would ensure that TOR operates on sound commercial principles rather than political influence.
"We will also restructure the Tema Oil Refinery so that we permanently eliminate political interference in its work," President Mahama declared. He explained that the reforms are intended to create a more efficient, competitive, and commercially viable refinery capable of supporting Ghana's long-term industrial development.
As part of the government's vision, President Mahama directed the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Jinapor, to work with the TOR Board and management to prepare a strategic plan to expand the refinery's production capacity from 45,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day. He said the expansion would position Ghana as a regional petroleum refining and logistics hub serving both domestic and West African markets.
The President noted that strengthening local refining capacity has become increasingly important in light of global geopolitical tensions that have disrupted international fuel markets. He argued that increased domestic refining would enhance Ghana's energy security, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and protect consumers from external supply shocks. He added that the combined operations of TOR and other local refineries have already helped cushion the country against recent global fuel market disruptions.
President Mahama praised the management, board, and workers of TOR for successfully restoring key facilities, including the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and other critical processing infrastructure. He described the refurbishment as more than an engineering achievement, saying it represents renewed confidence in Ghana's industrial capability and demonstrates that strategic national assets can be revived through strong leadership and professional management.
Energy sector analysts have welcomed the proposed governance reforms, noting that reducing political influence in the management of state-owned enterprises could improve operational efficiency, strengthen investor confidence, and enhance financial sustainability. They believe the planned restructuring, together with expanded refining capacity, could significantly boost Ghana's petroleum industry and contribute to economic growth.
President Mahama's decision to restructure the Tema Oil Refinery marks a significant step in the government's efforts to modernise Ghana's energy sector. By reducing political interference, expanding refining capacity, and improving commercial efficiency, the administration hopes to transform TOR into a competitive regional refinery capable of supporting Ghana's industrialisation agenda and strengthening the country's energy security.