A delegation from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), led by Chief Executive Officer Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., on Thursday, January 15, visited the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to assess progress following the Authority’s approval for the refinery to resume full operations.
During the visit, the delegation toured key operational facilities to verify compliance and evaluate efficiency.
TOR’s Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, Esq., expressed appreciation for NPA’s support, noting that effective laycan management has ensured fully stocked tanks, a clear indicator of improved operations.
Commending TOR’s leadership and workforce, Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the refinery. “I will be the number one champion for the need to support TOR, because if TOR is working, it makes my work easier,” he said.
Drawing on lessons from his recent visit to the Dangote Refinery, he stressed the importance of scale, efficiency, and modernisation. He also highlighted the need for automation in operations, adding, “no one should be sent to go and turn a valve.”
Mr. Tameklo cautioned that NPA and TOR share responsibility for maintaining plant integrity. “We must be mindful of our responsibility to ensure that we do not say ‘proceed’ when what is required is ‘stop work’, because the integrity of the plant must not be compromised,” he said.
He further noted that TOR’s revival has broader implications for Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, including enhanced price stability and significant foreign exchange savings by reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
The visit concluded with a tour of the facility, confirming that TOR is operational and fully compliant with regulatory standards. TOR Management expressed gratitude to Mr. Tameklo and the NPA for their continued support.
Ghana’s premier refinery’s return to full operations is expected to strengthen energy security, stabilise fuel prices, create jobs, and improve foreign exchange management.
Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews
