Tema Oil Refinery to Resume Full Operations by October 2025
Ghana’s Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is gearing up to resume full operations by October 2025, a development that marks a turning point in the country’s energy sector. After years of intermittent activity due to financial and technical challenges, TOR’s revival is expected to significantly reduce the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products. The refinery’s management has disclosed that about \$25 million is required to complete the necessary upgrades and repairs to make the facility fully operational and competitive.
The return of TOR to full capacity promises major economic benefits. By processing crude oil locally, Ghana can expect a substantial reduction in foreign exchange used for fuel imports, thereby easing pressure on the cedi and stabilizing domestic fuel prices. The move is also part of a broader strategy to ensure national energy security, enabling Ghana to manage fuel supply disruptions more effectively. Furthermore, government-backed initiatives like the proposed “OILBOARD” aim to streamline crude procurement and improve transparency in refinery operations.
Looking ahead, TOR’s success will depend heavily on how swiftly the required funding is secured and the pace at which technical upgrades are implemented. There are ongoing talks with private investors, and the government is considering long-term reforms to strengthen institutional oversight of the petroleum downstream sector. If all goes as planned, TOR’s full revival by October will not only restore the refinery’s capacity but also symbolize Ghana’s renewed commitment to energy independence and industrial transformation.
