In a renewed push to revamp Ghana’s premier oil refinery, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated a reconstituted Board of Directors for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), acting on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
The inauguration signals a strategic move by the government to breathe new life into the state-owned refinery, which has faced years of operational setbacks and financial instability despite its pivotal role in the country’s energy landscape.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Hon. Jinapor highlighted TOR’s critical importance to Ghana’s energy independence and economic stability. He tasked the new board with urgently restoring the refinery to full operational status.
“Getting TOR back to work is non-negotiable,” he stressed. “The board must adopt bold and forward-looking strategies to ensure TOR is profitable, efficient, and responsive to Ghana’s energy needs. This refinery is a national treasure, and we cannot allow it to remain idle.”
The newly appointed Board Chairman, Hon. Nayon Bilijo, acknowledged the President’s trust and assured stakeholders of the board’s readiness to deliver results.
“We are deeply honoured by this call to service. The task is great, but so is our resolve. We will act with urgency to restore TOR to its rightful place in the energy sector,” he said.
As part of their mandate, the board will develop a comprehensive roadmap to tackle the refinery’s current challenges and chart a sustainable path forward.
Full list of the new TOR Board members:
- Hon. Nayon Bilijo – Chairperson
- Edmond Kombat Esq.– Acting Managing Director
- Mr. Thomas Martey Laari – Member
- Mr. Robert Kempes Ofosuhene – Member
- Hon. Dr. Sebastian N. Sandaare – Member
- Mr. Mugabe Saifu Maase– Member
- Hon. Mohammed Issah Bataglia – Member
- Osabarima Kyei Osafo Kantanka – Member
- Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah– Member
The board is expected to hit the ground running, with immediate focus on revamping refinery operations, enhancing transparency, and ensuring financial sustainability.
