President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday, 1 August 2026, commissioned the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), marking a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen domestic refining capacity.

The ceremony, held at the forecourt of TOR, also saw the President receive the historic first consignment of Jubilee Crude for processing at the state-owned refinery.

Addressing stakeholders, President Mahama said the revived facility has already processed two million barrels of crude into various refined petroleum products, signalling progress in efforts to restore TOR’s operational capacity.

He said the refinery would become increasingly important as government implements its 24-hour economy initiative and accelerated export development programme, particularly in expanding industrial production and adding value to Ghana’s natural resources.

“The revival of TOR demonstrates that Ghana can rebuild its strategic institutions, add value to its resources, and chart a path for sustainable prosperity,” President Mahama said.

The President stressed that the renewed operations at TOR form part of his administration’s broader industrial reform agenda aimed at strengthening strategic state-owned enterprises.

He expressed optimism that the facility would “continue to power Ghana’s industrial reform and continue to contribute to a stronger, more prosperous and self-reliant vision.”

The refurbishment of the CDU is expected to improve TOR’s ability to process locally produced crude, reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products, conserve foreign exchange and create employment opportunities.