By: OrePulse

Ghana's Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has named Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) managing director Edmond Kombat its 2026 Energy Sector Recovery Programme Champion of the Year. The ministry handed Kombat the award at its annual retreat in Volta Serene, in Ghana's Volta Region — a gathering where energy officials take stock of the past year and map out priorities for the next one.

Kombat inherited a refinery in 2025 that had barely operated in over six years and was burdened with debt. Under his leadership, TOR returned to profitability, recording a profit before tax of 1.24 billion Ghanaian cedis in 2025.

A major refurbishment effort overseen by Kombat allowed TOR to restart crude processing in late December 2025. The refinery is now handling roughly 28,000 barrels of crude per day. Engineers are working to bring the second processing unit back online, which would lift capacity to the refinery's original 45,000 barrels per stream day. TOR's management is targeting a further increase to 85,000 barrels per day in the short to medium term, rising eventually to 200,000 barrels per day.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Kombat thanked President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership and commitment to revitalizing Ghana's energy sector. He also thanked Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor and the ministry's leadership and staff for their guidance and support, and praised TOR's board, management and employees.

Kombat said the recognition reflected the team's commitment, resilience and determination to restore TOR as a strategic national asset, calling it "a testament to our collective commitment, sacrifice, resilience." He described the honor as both a celebration and "a renewed call to duty" as TOR prepares for 2027, adding that the recognition would motivate the team to improve operational performance, strengthen Ghana's energy security and support economic growth.

He said "the work is not finished" and that TOR's push toward a stronger, more efficient, commercially sustainable and globally competitive refinery continues. Kombat dedicated the recognition to every member of the TOR family and to stakeholders who support the vision of a revitalized refinery.

The photo released with the award showed Kombat alongside TOR Board Chairman Nayon Bilijo, Jinapor and Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition Richard Gyan-Mensah.