President John Mahama has appointed Edmond B. Kombat as Acting Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). This follows Dr. Yussif Sulemana’s reassignment to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. The announcement was made in a letter dated April 29, 2025, signed by Executive Secretary Dr. Callistus Mahama.
Dr. Sulemana will serve as a Technical Advisor at the Ministry after his brief tenure at TOR. This leadership change comes at a critical time for the refinery. TOR faces legacy debt, operational downtime, and urgent capital investment needs. Mr. Kombat’s appointment aims to reposition TOR within the nation’s energy strategy.
Mr. Kombat is a lawyer and experienced energy strategist. He was named Deputy Managing Director of TOR earlier this year. His promotion is seen as part of efforts to stabilize leadership at TOR and restore its relevance.
Kombat co-founded the Institute for Energy Security (IES) and served as its Director of Research and Policy. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and was called to the Ghana Bar in 2022. Previously, he worked as Special Assistant to a former TOR Managing Director, attracting US$110 million in investments.
In brief comments after his appointment, Mr. Kombat stated: “TOR remains a strategic national asset.” He expressed commitment to working with stakeholders for its turnaround and sustainability.
The refinery has a capacity of 45,000 barrels per day but has operated below potential for years. Challenges include ageing infrastructure, unreliable crude oil supply, and financial constraints. Ghana imports most refined petroleum products, which affects energy security and foreign exchange reserves.
Mr. Kombat’s background includes roles in both public and private sectors. He previously worked as an energy analyst at TOR and BOST, among other positions. His experience includes a stint as a Summer Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in 2013.
His appointment is expected to foster strategic engagement with investors and industry partners. With rising fuel consumption in Ghana and volatile global oil markets, reviving TOR is seen as essential for national interests.
While challenges remain complex, observers view this leadership transition as an opportunity for renewal at the refinery. Staff have welcomed Mr. Kombat’s elevation as a step toward stability and purpose.
