By Prince Ahenkorah
In what could mark a major turning point for Ghana’s struggling energy sector, Italian oil giant ENI is making a comeback to its industrial roots, the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), to explore a partnership aimed at bringing the country’s only state-owned refinery back to life.
The move follows a courtesy visit by ENI’s delegation to TOR’s management, signaling renewed commitment to help restore operations at a facility the company helped establish more than six decades ago.
Sources within TOR confirmed the meeting, describing it as part of early discussions on technical and strategic collaboration that could see ENI lend support to the refinery’s long-awaited restart.
“Over the past few days, our MD, Edmond Kombat Esq., engaged with Maurizio Pinna, the MD of ENI Ghana. It was a warm and productive meeting focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration and shared prospects within the downstream sector and Ghana’s energy growth”, a post on TOR Facebook read.
Established in 1963 by ENI during Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s administration, the Tema Oil Refinery was once the pride of Ghana’s industrial drive.
The government later acquired all ENI shares in 1977, making it fully state-owned. In 1991, it officially assumed the name Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
Over the years, however, TOR has struggled with frequent shutdowns, debt, and mismanagement, often leaving the facility operating far below capacity.
Multiple attempts to revive it have fallen through, frustrating workers and policymakers alike.
ENI’s latest approach comes as the new NDC administration renews efforts to restore dormant state enterprises and reposition TOR as a key pillar of Ghana’s industrial and energy agenda.
The partnership could breathe new life into the refinery, reduce fuel import dependence, and create thousands of jobs for Ghanaian engineers, technicians, and industry players.
The potential comeback of TOR carries profound implications for Ghana’s economy, energy security, and national pride.
Reviving local crude oil refining will cut reliance on imported petroleum products, easing pressure on foreign reserves and stabilizing domestic fuel prices.
A fully operational refinery will also stimulate job creation, both directly and indirectly, across the oil, transport, and service sectors.
Beyond employment, it would ensure a steady local supply of refined fuel to power industries, agriculture, and transport systems.
Strategically, a functional TOR would strengthen Ghana’s position as a petroleum hub in West Africa, particularly as the Tema Industrial Zone expands and regional energy demand grows.
Beyond economics, the revival of TOR would restore confidence in one of Ghana’s oldest state assets, fulfilling Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s long-held vision of industrial self-reliance.