The Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) has called on the newly appointed Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Edmond Kombat, to implement urgent restructuring measures as part of a broader strategy to restore the refinery’s financial health and public image.
After Kombat’s recent promotion from Deputy Managing Director, Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of CEMSE, emphasized that the refinery’s long-standing operational inefficiencies and financial difficulties cannot be addressed without making tough decisions. Nsiah specifically recommended a reduction in staff, citing a bloated workforce that has hindered TOR’s ability to operate efficiently.
“Kombat faces the monumental task of restructuring TOR, and the first order of business must be addressing the company’s redundancy issue,” Nsiah stated. “TOR must streamline its operations to become financially viable, improve liquidity, and regain the trust of international investors. Unfortunately, this will involve difficult decisions, including laying off some workers.”
In addition to workforce reduction, Nsiah also emphasized the need for a strategic rebranding of the refinery. He believes that restoring TOR’s public image is vital for attracting much-needed investments and revitalizing the company’s operations.
“There is a pressing need to rebrand TOR,” Nsiah explained. “For too long, negative press has overshadowed the refinery, and that must change. We believe TOR can become a world-class, sub-regional refinery. This rebranding effort is essential not just for image, but for attracting capital investment, upgrading infrastructure, and securing the tools necessary to stay competitive in the global market.”
Nsiah’s comments come at a critical time as TOR seeks to overcome financial and operational struggles, and Kombat’s leadership will be pivotal in reshaping the refinery’s future.
