Business

TOR receives 1 million barrels of Jubilee crude as Mahama drives refinery revival

Edem Kwame
Featured

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has received one million barrels of Ghana's Jubilee Medium Sweet Crude, marking another major milestone in the government's efforts to revive the country's only state-owned refinery and boost local petroleum refining.

The crude cargo arrived aboard the MT Apache on July 15, 2026, as part of the government's strategy to ensure that crude oil produced in Ghana is refined locally to create jobs, reduce fuel imports and strengthen the country's energy security.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, TOR said the latest delivery fulfils President John Dramani Mahama's commitment to revitalising the refinery and building a stronger, integrated petroleum value chain.

Third one-million-barrel crude shipment since May

According to TOR, the latest consignment is the second shipment of one million barrels of Ghanaian crude supplied under President Mahama's administration.

It is also the third one-million-barrel crude cargo received by the refinery since May 2026, following earlier deliveries of Bonga and Baleine crude, which helped restart refining operations.

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The refinery said the continuous supply of crude oil has enabled it to sustain the production of petroleum products for both Ghana and neighbouring markets.

TOR says local refining will strengthen energy security.

TOR described the latest shipment as another significant step in its ongoing revival programme.

The refinery noted that refining more crude locally will improve operational efficiency, enhance energy security, reduce Ghana's dependence on imported petroleum products and support the country's industrialisation agenda.

It added that increasing domestic refining will also create more value from Ghana's natural resources while strengthening the link between the country's upstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

TOR praises Mahama and Energy Minister

The refinery expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for what it described as his unwavering commitment and leadership in restoring the operations of the refinery.

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According to TOR, the president's support continues to inspire management and staff to pursue operational excellence and deliver on the refinery's national mandate.

TOR also commended the minister for energy and green transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, for his strategic leadership and sustained efforts in ensuring a steady supply of crude oil to the refinery.

Partners recognised for refinery revival

The refinery further acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders across the petroleum value chain, including crude suppliers Fujeirah and Triangle Trading Commodities, regulators, financiers, logistics providers and technical partners.

TOR said their collaboration has played a vital role in restoring refining activities and ensuring consistent crude supply.

The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government's vision of expanding local refining capacity, creating jobs, reducing fuel import dependence and positioning Ghana as a leading petroleum refining hub in West Africa.

Edem Kwame

Chief Editor

Edem Kwame is a staff journalist at GH News Media, where he covers sports, politics, news and current affairs with a sharp focus on Ghanaian and African football.

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