The Energy Consumer Watch Ghana (ECWG) has praised the Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Mr. Edmond Kombat, for what it describes as a remarkable turnaround of Ghana’s premier refinery, marking a new chapter in the country’s energy sector.
In a press statement dated December 30, 2025, ECWG said Mr. Kombat’s leadership has restored confidence in an institution that had, for years, struggled with inefficiency, prolonged shutdowns and uncertainty over its future.
According to the consumer advocacy group, TOR had long symbolised missed opportunities within Ghana’s energy industry, operating far below capacity due to years of neglect, weak maintenance culture and poor strategic direction. At its lowest point, the refinery faced possible divestment, raising fears of job losses, loss of a strategic national asset and increased reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
However, ECWG noted that the appointment of Mr. Kombat has significantly altered that trajectory. Under his stewardship, supported by management and technical staff, TOR has moved from stagnation to recovery, culminating in the successful resumption of refining operations after years of inactivity.
The group attributed the progress to what it described as disciplined, accountable and technically grounded leadership, coupled with effective stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.
“TOR is no longer seen merely as a struggling state-owned enterprise but is once again emerging as a critical national asset capable of contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s energy security, industrial growth and foreign exchange savings,” the statement said.
Beyond operational improvements, ECWG highlighted the restoration of staff morale at the refinery, noting a renewed sense of pride and purpose among workers.
The organisation stressed that the gains achieved were the result of deliberate decisions and the willingness of management to confront long-standing structural and operational challenges that had previously crippled the refinery.
To sustain the progress, ECWG called for strong public support through patronage of TOR’s products and advocacy for local content in the downstream petroleum sector. It also urged government to provide sustained financial and policy backing to enable the refinery operate at optimal capacity, while encouraging carefully structured private sector partnerships that safeguard national interests.
ECWG also commended the Deputy Managing Director of TOR, Alhaji Mustapha B. Abubakar, for his role in supporting management and contributing to the refinery’s recent operational successes. In addition, the group acknowledged the Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Godwin Ayaba Mahama, for effective media engagement that has projected TOR’s renewed image and future potential.
The organisation expressed confidence that with stable leadership and continued support, TOR can reclaim its place as a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy sector, adding that the refinery’s current progress offers broader lessons on what effective leadership can achieve within state-owned enterprises.
By Philip Azu
