TOR secures 950,000 barrels of Sankofa crude from GNPC

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has taken delivery of approximately 950,000 barrels of crude oil from Ghana’s Sankofa-Gye Nyame field, marking the refinery’s first-ever processing of crude from the field.

The shipment was supplied through the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and transported by Sonangol Cazenga. The crude is expected to be processed at TOR into petroleum products for the Ghanaian market.

The development represents a significant step towards strengthening Ghana’s domestic refining capacity and increasing the use of locally produced crude to meet the country’s fuel requirements. Sankofa crude is typically transported in cargoes of around 950,000 barrels.

According to TOR, the delivery demonstrates the potential for deeper collaboration between Ghana’s upstream and downstream petroleum sectors by directing locally produced crude towards domestic refining.

The refinery’s Managing Director said the partnership with GNPC presents an opportunity to improve TOR’s operations while ensuring that a greater share of the value generated from Ghana’s petroleum resources remains within the country.

He described the arrival of the Sankofa crude as an important milestone for TOR, noting that it could contribute to building a stronger, more resilient and sustainable petroleum industry.

The shipment comes as TOR continues its efforts to restore and sustain full-scale operations following an extensive turnaround maintenance programme. During his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President John Dramani Mahama indicated that the refinery had resumed crude processing for the first time since 2018.

TOR said the collaboration with GNPC also aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen integration across Ghana’s upstream, midstream and downstream petroleum value chain.

The refinery added that TOR and GNPC are expected to explore and develop additional areas of cooperation as the partnership progresses.

The Managing Director of TOR expressed appreciation to President Mahama and Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor for their support. He also acknowledged GNPC’s management and the refinery’s tolling partners, Fujairah and Triangle Commodities Trading, for their continued cooperation.