Edmond Kombat reveals illegal fuel sales at Tema Oil Refinery

The Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Edmond Kombat, has disclosed that the state-owned refinery engaged in the unauthorized sale of petroleum products belonging to three third-party companies between 2019 and 2024. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on October 26, 2026, Kombat revealed that the products, valued at millions of dollars, were sold without the knowledge or consent of the rightful owners. This practice occurred during a period of significant financial instability for the refinery, which has long struggled with debt and operational inefficiencies.

According to Kombat, the proceeds from these illegal sales were diverted to cover the refinery's operational costs, specifically to pay the salaries of staff. At the time, TOR was facing severe financial distress, leaving management in a position where they chose to liquidate third-party assets to meet payroll obligations. This period of mismanagement spans several years of the previous administration under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, highlighting systemic failures in the oversight of the nation's premier oil refinery.

The revelation sheds light on the depth of the crisis at TOR, which has been the subject of numerous attempts at restructuring and partnership over the last decade. The unauthorized use of third-party inventory not only undermines the refinery's credibility but also exposes the state to potential legal liabilities from the affected service providers. Kombat's disclosure serves as part of a broader effort by the current administration under President John Mahama to address historical mismanagement and restore accountability within state institutions.

As the government continues its accountability sessions, the findings regarding TOR’s past operations are expected to inform future policy decisions regarding the refinery's viability. The management's decision to prioritize salary payments through the sale of assets it did not own points to a lack of sustainable funding and governance. Moving forward, stakeholders and the public will be looking for clear measures to ensure such practices are not repeated and that those responsible for the oversight of these assets are held to account.