December 26, 2025 [MSN]- Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Limited, Ghana’s flagship petroleum processing plant, has resumed crude oil refining after lying idle for more than six years, following the completion of extensive rehabilitation works.

Operations restarted at the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) about four days ago, with the refinery reportedly processing 28,000 barrels per stream day. Management plans to commission the new furnace (F-61) to increase production capacity to 45,000–55,000 barrels per stream day.

A site visit on Sunday, December 21, 2025, confirmed active refining, with smoke visible from stacks near the CDU and operational utility stations.

TOR Managing Director Edmond Kombat described the previous state of the refinery as dire, citing mismanagement and heavy indebtedness. Under the government’s “reset agenda,” management conducted a detailed operational review using the “Fish Bone Analysis” framework and stakeholder mapping to identify challenges and opportunities for revival.

One key issue was staff dissatisfaction due to years without promotion. A committee reviewed over 300 cases, promoting more than 250 employees, which helped restore staff morale and operational efficiency.

Management also introduced strict cash management, extended terminal loading hours, and accountability measures in product handling, boosting revenue and trust among clients.

The refinery has absorbed hundreds of technicians during maintenance into permanent roles, and the facility now supports approximately 1,000 employees and their dependants, providing benefits including free medical care.

While TOR is not yet fully operational, test runs and system flushing have been completed. Officials expect a full commissioning ceremony once stabilisation is complete.

The project underscores how strategic planning, disciplined management, and cooperation with unions can revive critical national infrastructure.