The National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, has pledged to prioritise the restoration of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to full operating capacity, if elected flagbearer of the party and subsequently, President of Ghana.
"I will fix TOR and commit to ensuring the refinery operates efficiently, effectively and sustainably, providing affordable fuel to the citizenry," he stressed.
Dr Duffuor, who is a former Minister of Finance, indicated that he understood the importance of TOR to the economy, and "if given the opportunity to lead, I will work tirelessly to bring it back to full operation since 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."
Speaking to delegates of the NDC during a campaign tour of the Greater Accra Region, he explained that his plan to revive TOR included comprehensive review of refinery's operations and infrastructure as well as implementation of sustainable measures to ensure refinery runs efficiently and effectively.
TOR shut down its operations in June 2018 due to several management issues including an inability to make available steady supply of crude oil, a main raw material for the refinery.
Dr Duffuor, who is also a former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, noted that TOR was one of the country's biggest national assets which must not be left to deteriorate especially at a time that it was essential to bring down cost of petroleum products, critical for economic well-being of all citizens.
"I will also work with industry experts to explore alternative sources of crude oil to ensure steady supply for the refinery, my plan to revive TOR will not only bring down the cost of petroleum products but also create job opportunities for Ghanaians and contribute to the country's economic progress, growth and development.
"I am determined, dedicated and committed to bringing back TOR to full operation as testament to my vision for a better Ghana so as to make life more affordable for the citizenry," Dr Duffuor said.
As the NDC presidential primary elections approach, his assurance to revive TOR is one of the many policy initiatives he is presenting to the grass roots with hope, trust and confidence his vision for a better Ghana will resonate with voters and bring about the change, NDC and Ghana needs at the moment.
