Workers of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to back the refinery's ongoing revival with decisive policy and financial support, saying the recommissioning of the Crude Oil Distillation Unit should mark the beginning of a lasting transformation rather than a temporary recovery.
Addressing guests during the official commissioning ceremony, the Chairman of the TOR Workers Union described the occasion as a defining moment for Ghana's petroleum industry, arguing that the refinery has overcome years of uncertainty through the determination of its workforce.
Standing before President Mahama, the union said his attendance at the event carried significance beyond ceremony.
"Your presence here today sends a strong message that the future of Tema Oil Refinery matters, that Ghana's energy security matters, and that the hardworking men and women who remain committed to this company are not forgotten." - Union Leader
Workers recount years of resistance
The union painted a picture of an institution that, in its view, had been repeatedly written off.
According to the workers, TOR was until March 2025 portrayed as an unreliable enterprise suitable only for operating as a tank farm. They said employees rejected that narrative and continued to believe the refinery remained commercially viable.
The workers also recalled proposals to lease the refinery for 10 years at a reported value of 22 million dollars, describing the move as another attempt to diminish the company's potential.
"We resisted and prevailed because we believed that every aspect of the refinery was viable except its board of directors and management then," the union declared.
The address credited the change in government with creating an opportunity to revive the refinery, describing President Mahama's return to office as "a divine intervention for Mother Ghana" and an opportunity to restore TOR's fortunes.
Management praised for restoring confidence
The workers reserved special praise for the refinery's current Managing Director and management team, saying recent developments had vindicated their long-held belief that operational challenges stemmed more from leadership than from the refinery's physical assets.
They pledged their full support to management as efforts continue to return the refinery to sustained operations.
The Energy Minister also received recognition for what the workers described as steady guidance during the refinery's restructuring. "Workers are indeed grateful for your leadership," the union said.
According to the address, the turnaround has already produced tangible benefits for employees.
More than 260 workers have received promotions across various departments, while a long-delayed review of the refinery's collective bargaining agreement has resulted in improved salary structures.
The union said these measures had eased financial pressure on workers and restored confidence within the organisation.
Appeal for government support
Despite the renewed optimism, the workers insisted that more interventions are needed to secure the refinery's future.
They called on government to assume TOR's legacy debt, arguing that doing so would strengthen the foundation for sustainable operations and improve the company's financial position.
The union also urged government to integrate the refinery into Ghana's upstream crude oil supply chain to guarantee consistent access to crude for processing.
For the longer term, the workers proposed a roadmap for recapitalising TOR through the Ghana Stock Exchange, saying broader ownership would reduce political interference while improving corporate governance and profitability.
Maintenance and infrastructure remain priorities
The workers disclosed that the refinery is currently undertaking major maintenance works requiring significant investment and appealed for the release of outstanding receivables to support management's efforts.
They also welcomed ongoing expansion works on the main access road to the refinery but appealed to contractors to accelerate construction as operations gather pace.
Ending the address on an optimistic note, the union expressed confidence that the refinery was entering a new era.
"We the workers of TOR are convinced that Tema Oil Refinery will rise again," the union said, while wishing President Mahama wisdom and good health as his administration pursues its broader economic recovery agenda.
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