Mahama Restarts TOR After Nearly 6 Years as Refurbished Crude Unit Comes Back to Life

President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), marking a major milestone in government’s efforts to revive the state-owned refinery after nearly six years of inactivity.

The commissioning signals the beginning of TOR’s operational comeback and forms a key part of the government’s strategy to strengthen local fuel production, reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products, and boost Ghana’s energy security.

Addressing the ceremony, President Mahama described the revival of the CDU as a crucial component of his administration’s “resetting agenda” aimed at rebuilding the economy through increased local production and industrial growth.

The President also witnessed the delivery of Ghana’s Jubilee crude oil to TOR for local refining, a move expected to lower the country’s reliance on imported fuel and reduce associated costs.
The Crude Distillation Unit is the heart of every refinery, serving as the first processing stage where crude oil is separated into various components based on their boiling points before being refined into products such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene.

President Mahama praised the management, board, and staff of TOR for successfully refurbishing the facility without direct government funding, describing the achievement as “a demonstration of what dedication and effective management can achieve.” He encouraged them to maintain the momentum as the refinery gradually returns to full operations.

Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor revealed that government had considered leasing the refinery for $22 million over a 10-year period but instead opted to invest in restoring the facility for Ghanaians to operate.
“We chose to keep it and make sure the people of Ghana work hard to keep it,” the minister stated.

Officials say bringing the CDU back on line will significantly improve TOR’s refining capacity, enhance national energy security, and support industrial development.

The Tema Oil Refinery has remained largely dormant for almost six years due to persistent financial and operational setbacks. With the refurbished CDU now operational, management expects a gradual restoration of full refining activities in the months ahead.