By Daniel Bampoe
A cloud of controversy has descended on the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) following the reassignment of its Managing Director, Dr. Yussif Sulemana, after what has now been described as a misleading claim of profitability.
The announcement, which was widely circulated by media outlets and bloggers, suggested that TOR had recorded a profit just three months into the tenure of the new government — a claim now being challenged by credible sources within the refinery and parliamentary oversight bodies.
Dr. Sulemana, who was appointed in early 2025, had made headlines after asserting that the once-struggling state-owned refinery had turned a profit, despite its long-standing financial challenges.
TOR has been grappling with debt in excess of $500 million since 2009, with little evidence in recent years to suggest a recovery strong enough to achieve profitability in such a short period.
Profit Claim Under Scrutiny
The claims by Dr. Sulemana were quickly picked up and amplified across multiple platforms, but critics argue that few questioned the plausibility of such a turnaround.
Now, insiders at TOR suggest the figures were not only exaggerated but potentially fabricated to present a false image of success.
Parliamentary sources involved in oversight of the energy sector have disclosed that Dr. Sulemana’s profit announcement lacked supporting documentation and raised red flags during scrutiny.
Following growing internal and external pressure, the Ministry of Energy quietly reassigned him to serve as a Technical Advisor to the Ministry — a move seen by many as a face-saving maneuver.
Deputy Takes Over
In the wake of the shake-up, TOR’s Deputy Managing Director, Edmund Kombat, has assumed the role of Acting Managing Director.
He steps into the role at a time when confidence in the refinery’s leadership is at a low point, and stakeholders — including creditors — are growing increasingly restless.
The misinformation has already had tangible effects. Several creditors, spurred by the announcement of profitability, have reportedly rushed to demand repayment, creating further operational and financial strain on the refinery.
No Apology
Notably, Dr. Sulemana has not publicly apologized or offered an explanation for the financial claims.
His silence has drawn criticism from civil society and energy sector analysts, who argue that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable in the management of a strategic national asset like TOR.
Calls are growing for the Ministry of Energy to publicly clarify the situation.
Stakeholders are demanding answers on whether TOR has indeed posted any profit and on what basis the reassignment of Dr. Sulemana was made. The Ministry has so far remained tight-lipped.
The Tema Oil Refinery has long been a symbol of Ghana’s industrial capacity and energy sovereignty.
However, its chronic mismanagement, indebtedness, and operational setbacks have severely diminished its role.
The current controversy only deepens concerns about political interference, lack of transparency, and the sustainability of the refinery’s future.
