The management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) on Saturday honoured President John Dramani Mahama with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his leadership and commitment to revitalising Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, as the refinery officially received its first barrel of crude oil from the Jubilee Field for processing.
The presentation of the plaque coincided with a landmark moment for the refinery, marking the commencement of the delivery of domestically produced Jubilee crude to TOR for refining a development widely regarded as a significant step towards strengthening Ghana’s energy security, reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products, and restoring the refinery’s operational capacity.
Presenting the plaque, the Acting Managing Director of TOR, Edmund Kombat (Esq), said the President’s unwavering commitment to reviving the refinery had inspired renewed confidence in Ghana’s petroleum industry.
“This commemorative plaque is a symbol of our profound appreciation to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for his visionary leadership and steadfast support in restoring the Tema Oil Refinery to its rightful place as a strategic national asset,” the Acting Managing Director said.
The management noted that refining crude oil from the Jubilee Field locally would create jobs, retain more value within the Ghanaian economy, and enhance the country’s energy resilience.
Receiving the honour, President Mahama described the arrival of the first barrel of Jubilee crude at TOR as a defining moment in Ghana’s industrial and economic transformation.
“Today is more than the delivery of a barrel of crude oil. It is the beginning of a renewed commitment to rebuilding our strategic national institutions and ensuring that Ghana derives maximum value from its natural resources,” President Mahama said.
He reaffirmed his government’s determination to restore TOR to full operational efficiency, stressing that a vibrant refinery would reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products while supporting industrial growth and creating sustainable employment.
“Our objective is to make Tema Oil Refinery a modern, efficient and commercially viable refinery that will serve not only Ghana but the West African sub-region. We will continue to implement policies that strengthen the energy sector and promote value addition to our natural resources,” he added.
The reception of Jubilee crude at TOR is expected to mark the beginning of a new phase in Ghana’s petroleum value chain, with industry stakeholders expressing optimism that sustained refinery operations will improve fuel security, stimulate economic activity, and reinforce Ghana’s position as a key energy hub in the region.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
