Tema Oil Refinery Ltd (TOR) and the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) have agreed in principle to collaborate on a transformative initiative aimed at training 500 Ghanaian youth for careers in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.
The agreement was reached during a preliminary meeting held at TOR’s premises, where both institutions committed to advancing capacity-building efforts as Ghana’s energy sector prepares for significant expansion.
The PHDC delegation, led by Acting Deputy Managing Director, Onasis Kobby Rosely, was received by TOR’s Acting Managing Director, Edmond Kombat.
Discussions focused on a proposed skills exchange and training programme that would see TOR provide hands-on technical training, drawing on its infrastructure and deep pool of experienced professionals.
The initiative is expected to equip young Ghanaians with the technical competencies required to participate meaningfully in the evolving energy landscape, aligning with national goals to promote local content and sustainable employment.
“TEMA Oil Refinery has the infrastructure, the expertise, and the professionals to support this vision. This partnership is about empowering our youth and building Ghana’s energy future from the ground up,” Mr Kombat noted during the engagement.
Also present at the meeting were TOR’s Acting Deputy Managing Director, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar Batalima, and other senior managers of the refinery.
The collaboration marks a significant step toward bridging the skills gap in the energy sector while positioning Ghanaian youth for long-term careers in one of the country’s most strategic industries. Further engagements are expected to finalise the framework for implementation.
The Refinery has also been clarifying the composition and production process of premix fuel in response to public calls for greater technical understanding of the product, which is predominantly used by Ghana’s fishing communities.
During a stakeholder visit on Monday, July 7, 2025, TOR’s technical team briefed the National Premix Fuel Committee, explaining that premix fuel is not a generic or off-the-shelf product, but rather a carefully calibrated blend of gasoline and condensate.
According to the TOR, this is a precision process involving controlled mixing ratios to ensure optimal performance for marine engine
The refinery insisted that the formula and safety protocols are key to maintaining both fuel efficiency and engine longevity for our fishing communities.
The clarification comes as part of TOR’s broader push for transparency and public education on its role in the premix value chain.
The refinery is Ghana’s sole producer of premix fuel and has often been blamed for issues ranging from supply inconsistencies to product quality challenges, which it attributes to factors outside its control.
By shedding light on the technical side of premix production, TOR aims to correct misinformation and reassert its expertise and credibility in fuel blending operations.
The refinery also reaffirmed its commitment to improving national supply by investing in infrastructure upgrades, including additional storage tanks and a modernised loading gantry system.
The National Premix Fuel Committee, chaired by Nelson Dafeamekpor, commended TOR’s openness and professionalism during the visit and pledged to work closely with the refinery to implement new reforms that will improve delivery and oversight.
TOR refuted claims that fuel products, particularly premix fuel, are dispatched from its facility without proper oversight or verification.
It emphasised its commitment to transparency, stressing that no product leaves the refinery without undergoing a rigorous multi-agency verification process.
TOR officials explained that, prior to any dispatch, all relevant agencies, including National Security, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana Customs, and Rock Africa, are present on-site to authenticate and jointly sign off on the product volumes.
TOR’s Acting Managing Director explained that this ensures that there are proper checks and balances at every stage of the proces
According to the refinery’s top officials, the system has been designed to eliminate loopholes and prevent any manipulation or unauthorised movement of fuel.
The clarification comes in response to longstanding concerns over alleged fuel diversions and a lack of accountability within the premix fuel distribution system.
TOR, however, made clear that it upholds strict internal protocols and that its responsibility ends once the product leaves its facility under the supervision of multiple regulatory bodies.
The multi-agency approach, the refinery emphasised, is a safeguard for the integrity of the fuel supply chain and a demonstration of TOR’s accountability to both government stakeholders and the Ghanaian public.
The visit by the National Premix Fuel Committee, led by Chairman Nelson Dafeamekpor, aimed to deepen collaboration with TOR and review operational practices to enhance efficiency, traceability, and fairness in the sector.
