Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is increasingly sourcing crude oil from West Africa as part of efforts to stabilise operations and advance its long-term recovery strategy, its Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, has said. The shift is aimed at ensuring a more reliable and consistent supply of feedstock as discussions continue on restructuring Ghana’s crude oil allocation to better support the refinery.
Speaking to journalists from the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship in Accra, Mr Kombat said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to reposition TOR after years of financial strain and operational setbacks. He noted that securing dependable crude supply remains central to restoring steady production at the refinery.
TOR has for years struggled with recurring shutdowns driven by crude shortages, ageing infrastructure, and rising debt levels. These challenges have affected output and raised concerns about the refinery’s long-term viability and its role within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, despite several attempted rehabilitation programmes.
Mr Kombat also pointed to external pressures, including global crude supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States, as well as rising freight and shipping costs.
He said management remains committed to a turnaround plan focused on improving efficiency, strengthening supply security, and restoring operational stability, even as the recovery process is expected to be gradual and demanding.