The opposition party, the NDC’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, has declared his intentions of kickstarting operations at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to full working capacity if he is chosen to represent the NDC and become President of Ghana.
During a campaign trip to the greater Accra area this week, the former finance minister, one of four candidates vying to lead the main opposition party moving into the 2024 general elections, spoke to party delegates.
The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) stopped operating in June 2018 due to a number of management problems, including an inability to provide a consistent supply of crude oil, the refinery's primary raw material. He thinks that the TOR is one of Ghana's most valuable national resources and that it should not be allowed to deteriorate, especially at a time when it is crucial to reduce the price of petroleum products, which is necessary for the economic security of all Ghanaians.
The eminent economist promised to correct TOR and make a commitment to making sure the refinery runs effectively and sustainably so that Ghana's citizens can buy petroleum.
“I understand the importance of TOR to the Ghanaian economy, and if given the opportunity to lead, I will work tirelessly to bring it back to full operation. The high cost of petroleum products is a significant burden on the average Ghanaian, and we must do everything we can to make fuel prices more affordable,” Dr. Duffuor assured.
He clarified that his strategy for reviving TOR entails a thorough evaluation of the infrastructure and operations of the refinery, as well as the adoption of sustainable measures to guarantee the refinery operates effectively. To secure a consistent supply of crude oil for the refinery, he further stated that he would collaborate with industry experts to investigate other sources of the fuel.
Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, a former governor of the Bank of Ghana, claimed that his plan to resuscitate TOR will not only lower the price of petroleum products but will also provide Ghanaians with employment opportunities and boost the nation's economy.
Advocates of Dr. Duffuor have praised his determination to resume full operation of TOR as evidence of his commitment to improving Ghana and making living more affordable for all Ghanaians.
One of the many policy initiatives that Dr. Duffuor is presenting to the grassroots as the NDC presidential primary elections draw near is his promise to revive TOR. He is doing this in the hope that his vision for a better Ghana will ring true with voters and usher in the change that the NDC and Ghana currently need.