Government targets 70% of fuel demand from local refining by 2028 - TOR MD

The government is targeting to meet about 70 per cent of Ghana’s fuel demand through local refining by 2028 as part of plans to expand the capacity of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

TOR Managing Director, Edmond Kombat disclosed this during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 26, 2026.

He said the refinery’s processing capacity has been increased from 45,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day.

"TOR is part of a national plan. With the refinery's expansion from 45,000 to 100,000 barrels a day, Government is targeting about 70 percent of national fuel demand from local refining by 2028," he said.

Edmond Kombat noted that beyond the existing plant, management is advancing plans for a new 100,000 barrel-a-day greenfield refinery and petrochemicals facilities, with additional storage capacity that meets current environmental standards

He said President John Dramani Mahama, on August 1, 2026, directed the Minister for Energy and Green Transition to work with TOR’s board and management to develop a strategic roadmap for the expansion.

The President also announced plans to restructure TOR to ensure it operates on sound commercial principles and is insulated from undue political interference.

As part of efforts to restore the refinery’s financial position, the Ministry of Finance is working with TOR to consider writing off US$120 million in legacy debt owed to the government or converting the amount into equity.

According to him, the refinery’s Restoration and Legacy Projects program for 2026 to 2029 also proposes expanding the existing plant from 45,000 to 85,000 barrels per stream day and constructing a new refinery with a capacity of 115,000 barrels per stream day.

Together, the proposed projects would raise TOR’s total processing capacity to 200,000 barrels per stream day.

The expansion forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products.

The Restoration and Legacy Projects program, he said also includes a specialist hospital with a burns and trauma centre.

"So that TOR's revival leaves behind something that serves people as well as plant. TOR is also working closely with the Ghana home Ownership Fund to build staff housing project on existing TOR lands to ease accommodation challenges within the Tema Enclave on TOR’s existing lands.

"We will pursue these projects with strategic partners, within the climate compliance principles the President has set, and we will report on progress publicly," he stated.