Photos : IET-GH Applauds TOR’s Use of Local Engineers in Refinery Revival
The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), has praised the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for its ongoing rehabilitation efforts being executed predominantly by Ghanaian engineers and technologists.
A delegation led by IET-GH President, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, paid a working visit to the refinery to observe progress on the facility’s restoration and to express the Institution’s support for the project.
Receiving the delegation, TOR’s Managing Director, Lawyer Edmond Kombat, described the visit as timely, acknowledging that many IET-GH members were playing key roles in the refinery’s revival. He reaffirmed TOR’s readiness to collaborate with the Institution to provide professional development and certification opportunities for its staff, in line with the government’s Reset Agenda focused on rebuilding the economy and expanding local employment.
Engr. Boateng commended the refinery’s leadership for the bold decision to rely on homegrown expertise, saying it demonstrates confidence in the capacity of Ghanaian engineers to deliver complex technical solutions. He encouraged engineers and staff to remain disciplined and united behind the management team. He also urged them to consider themselves essential partners in the Reset Agenda and to avoid any form of agitation that could slow the refinery’s recovery efforts.
Engr. Wonder Davor, IET-GH President-Elect, lauded TOR’s management for its vision and urged sustained collaboration with local professionals to build a refinery that meets modern standards. Engr. Dr. Miriam Eduful, a strong advocate for women in engineering, reminded staff of the importance of strict safety practices and consistent use of protective gear.
As part of the engagement, Lawyer Kombat disclosed plans to launch a structured TOR Training Programme to offer practical learning opportunities to students from KNUST, UENR, UMaT, and other technical universities. He also revealed an upcoming partnership with Middle Eastern refineries to train about 5,000 Ghanaian engineers across various disciplines starting next year.
During a tour of the facility led by Ing. Abraham Quayson, the IET-GH delegation visited key sections, including the distillation, reforming, and power generation units. TOR’s engineers were credited for successfully completing complex maintenance works previously handled by foreign experts thereby saving the refinery of significant foreign exchange.
Engr. Boateng concluded the visit by commending TOR’s commitment to environmental protection and expressing optimism that the refinery’s restart will mark a major milestone for Ghanaian engineering excellence and national self-reliance.
