After more than a decade of debt, shutdowns and uncertainty, there are fresh signs of life at the Tema Oil Refinery, with staff and industry players crediting what they now call “The Kombat Effect” for driving the turnaround.
The term refers to the leadership of Mr. Edmund Kombat, Esq., appointed Managing Director of TOR in 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, think tank Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub said the refinery is undergoing a deliberate push to “Restart, Restructure, and Restore Confidence.”
From “White Elephant” to Work in Progress
For years, TOR was described as a “white elephant.” The state-owned refinery was saddled with debt exceeding US$400 million, its Crude Distillation Unit was non-functional, and reliance on imported fuel had eroded its commercial viability. Reputational hits, including past scandals like the Asante Berko “Holy Rain” case, further damaged investor confidence.
By 2023, the refinery faced severe operational constraints and calls for privatisation or closure were growing louder.
Three-Point Recovery Plan
According to the statement signed by Emmanuel Duah, Executive Director of Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub, Mr. Kombat’s administration has focused on four key areas:
Technical Restart: Major works are underway to bring the Crude Distillation Unit back online. TOR is also exploring tolling partnerships to process crude without bearing the full upfront cost.
Financial Restructuring: Management is engaging creditors and government to ring-fence legacy liabilities and create a cleaner balance sheet for future operations.
Staff Morale and Accountability: New transparency measures and internal reforms are being introduced, with workers reportedly expressing renewed optimism.
Strategic Partnerships: Talks are ongoing with private sector players for lease or PPP arrangements. The goal, the statement notes, is not to sell TOR but to attract capital, technology and expertise.
Why TOR’s Revival Matters
The group argues that a working TOR is not just about fuel — it is a national security issue. “
A fully operational refinery would strengthen Ghana’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products, protect the country from external supply disruptions, preserve hundreds of jobs, and reduce foreign exchange pressure,” the statement said.
“Allowing TOR to collapse would leave Ghana completely dependent on imported petroleum products, creating significant vulnerabilities.”
Big Hurdles Remain
Despite the momentum, major challenges persist. These include the legacy debt burden, the huge capital needed for CDU rehabilitation and upgrades, the need for sustainable crude supply arrangements, and stronger governance to prevent a repeat of past mismanagement.
“The resurgence of the Tema Oil Refinery does not mean all challenges have been resolved,” the statement cautioned. “However, for the first time in many years, there appears to be a clear direction, renewed leadership, and growing momentum toward recovery.
” Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub concluded that the “Kombat Effect” shows that with political will and competent management, even distressed national assets can be revived.
“The responsibility now lies with government, industry stakeholders, and the Ghanaian public to support the revival effort through sound policy, investment, and accountability. A nation that cannot refine its own petroleum resources remains vulnerable in managing its energy future. TOR is not merely a refinery. It is a national strategic asset.
