Hon. Edmond Kombat Esq, the Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), has achieved a remarkable turnaround in reviving the long-dormant refinery in just a few months. With his appointment in May 2025, Kombat brought a wealth of experience in energy policy, financial markets, and corporate strategy to the helm of Ghana’s premier refinery. Under his leadership, TOR has witnessed a clear shift from stagnation to recovery, with the refinery moving towards operational excellence.
Kombat’s management style, anchored in discipline, accountability, technical competence, and strategic planning, has been instrumental in reinvigorating the refinery’s operations. The successful resumption of refining activities after years of dormancy stands as a testament to purposeful leadership, effective stakeholder engagement, and a renewed commitment to operational excellence.
One of the key highlights of Kombat’s tenure is the prioritization of technical sovereignty, where Ghanaian engineers have been placed at the forefront of the refinery’s operations. This approach has not only saved costs but also empowered local talent, demonstrating that TOR’s problem over the years was not about the engineers, but rather a lack of effective leadership.
The Institute of Engineers & Technology (IET), Ghana, has honored Kombat for his exceptional leadership in restoring the refinery to productive operation. The revival of TOR is expected to have a significant impact on Ghana’s economy, particularly in the energy sector. By reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products, TOR can help save foreign exchange and enhance the country’s energy security.
According to the Energy Consumer Watch Ghana (ECWG), the progress recorded so far under Kombat’s leadership offers hope, not just for TOR, but for what effective leadership can achieve in Ghana’s state-owned enterprises. Kombat’s vision for TOR is centered on making the refinery a symbol of national pride and a beacon of operational excellence, financial sustainability, and a backbone of Ghana’s energy sector in the downstream.
To achieve this, he plans to focus on improving crude procurement processes, optimizing refinery operations, and securing new funding streams. As TOR continues to make strides under Kombat’s leadership, it is evident that the refinery is on the path to reclaiming its place as a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy sector. With continued support and stable leadership, TOR can contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s industrial growth, energy security, and foreign exchange savings.
Written By: Ali Wuni Abdul-Majeed, Former Constituency Communication Officer for Walewale & Regional Director for Volunteers and Surrogates/North East Regional Estate Manager, YEA
