…as Sulemana transitions to the Energy Ministry
President John Mahama has named Edmond B. Kombat as the new Acting Managing Director for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). This move comes after Dr. Yussif Sulemana was transferred to serve at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
The document in question was included in a letter dated Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and signed by the President’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Callistus Mahama.
Dr. Sulemana will take up the role of Technical Advisor at the Ministry following his short stint leading the state-run refinery. This transition occurs during a critical period for TOR, which faces significant challenges such as substantial historical debts, extended periods of non-operation, and an urgent requirement for financial infusion. Mr. Kombat’s selection indicates a fresh effort to revamp the refinery into a key component of the country’s energy plan.
Earlier this year, Mr. Kombat, who is both an attorney and a seasoned energy consultant, was appointed as the Deputy Managing Director of TOR. Many view his interim promotion to Acting Managing Director as a strategic move aimed at bolstering leadership stability and revitalizing TOR’s operational effectiveness.
A co-founder and ex-Director of Research and Policy at the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Kombat offers a distinctive blend of technical, financial, and legal skills. Holding a Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, he also became a member of the Ghana Bar in 2022.
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Previously, he worked as a Special Assistant to a past TOR Managing Director. In this role, he was instrumental in securing an estimated $110 million in investments and led operational changes that reportedly saved the nation around $300 million.
Following his appointment, Mr. Kombat briefly commented: “TOR continues to be a crucial national asset. I am dedicated to collaborating with all parties involved to guarantee its revival and enduring viability.”
The refinery, which has an operational capacity of 45,000 barrels per day, has been running beneath its potential due to outdated facilities, inconsistent availability of crude oil, and ongoing fiscal limitations. In Ghana, most refined petroleum goods are imported at present; government representatives have stated this practice compromises national energy stability and depletes foreign currency reserves.
Mr. Kombat has experience across both public and private industries. Besides his role at IES, he formerly served as an energy analyst at TOR and held the position of business and energy analyst at BOST. Additionally, he had a summer analyst role at Bank of America Merrill Lynch back in 2013.
It is anticipated that his appointment will introduce a fresh era of targeted collaboration with investors, regulatory bodies, and business allies. As Ghana experiences consistent growth in fuel usage and international oil prices remain unpredictable, the rejuvenation of TOR has become crucial for the nation. He is likely to concentrate on enhancing crude acquisition strategies, boosting operational effectiveness, and obtaining additional financing avenues.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
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