Translation
The Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Edmond Kombat, has given fresh assurance that the refinery’s long-delayed recovery plan is now fully on track, with clear signs of improvement across key operational areas. Mr Kombat made the remarks during a capacity-building workshop organised by Energy News Africa Limited in partnership with the Tema Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). The event brought together journalists, energy analysts and industry stakeholders to discuss the current state of Ghana’s energy sector, refinery operations and the future of petroleum infrastructure.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr Kombat explained that when he assumed office as the Managing Director of TOR, the refinery was facing major difficulties that had crippled its operations for years. He said the facility was burdened by huge debts running into several millions of dollars, which made it difficult for management to carry out even basic operational tasks. According to him, the financial challenges also affected staff welfare and limited investment in equipment, technology and routine maintenance. Many workers had lost hope because promotional structures were abandoned, and morale dropped across different departments.
The TOR boss noted that staffing levels had also reduced due to resignations, retirements and general uncertainty surrounding the future of the refinery. He said the combination of debt, low morale, and halted refining activities created a difficult environment that required strategic thinking and urgent intervention. Mr Kombat stressed that he and his management team had to begin with a full diagnostic assessment to understand the operational, financial and administrative gaps affecting the refinery.
He added that the recovery process was not rushed. Instead, management took time to engage every level of staff, from senior engineers to junior workers, in order to rebuild trust and encourage team commitment. Mr Kombat said these engagements helped management identify key areas where reforms were necessary and provided workers an opportunity to share their concerns directly.
One of the major achievements recorded so far, according to him, is the resolution of the long-standing issue of delayed promotions. He revealed that over 250 employees at the refinery had been due for promotion for years, but the process was repeatedly stalled. The failure to address the matter created frustration among workers and affected productivity. Mr Kombat confirmed that the new management approved and implemented all pending promotions, which contributed significantly to restoring stability, calm and confidence among the staff.
He described the Tema Oil Refinery as a strategic national asset with huge economic potential for Ghana’s energy security. According to him, the refinery can contribute meaningfully to reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products and help stabilise domestic fuel prices if fully restored to optimal capacity. Mr Kombat emphasized that the refinery’s recovery is not only about operations but also about strengthening institutional systems, improving technical capacity and rebuilding a professional environment where every worker feels valued.
The TOR Managing Director highlighted that several revenue-enhancing interventions are already being implemented to gradually revive the refinery’s financial health. Although he did not disclose all operational details, he noted that the reforms are bringing in positive results. He stated that the refinery is now more stable, and internal processes are improving, making TOR better positioned to return to active refining in the near future.
He expressed appreciation to staff, partner institutions, and government agencies that have supported the refinery’s turnaround efforts. He also encouraged journalists to continue reporting accurately on developments in the energy sector, as public understanding of the refinery’s challenges and progress is essential for national support.
Mr Kombat concluded by saying that TOR’s revival remains a top priority, and the management team is committed to ensuring that the refinery becomes fully functional and profitable again. He assured Ghanaians that the recovery plans are realistic, well-structured and already delivering positive signs that TOR can regain its position as a key pillar in Ghana’s petroleum industry.
The post TOR Revival Over 250 Staff Promoted as Refinery Stabilises appeared first on Radarr Africa.
Source: https://radarr.africa/tor-revival-over- ... tabilises/