President John Dramani Mahama has appointed energy strategist and finance professional Edmond Kombat as Deputy Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). Marking a critical step toward revitalising Ghana’s only state-owned refinery.
Edmond Kombat, a lawyer and founding chairman of Edkom Group, brings a wealth of experience in energy policy, financial markets, and corporate strategy to his new role. He previously served as Special Assistant to the Managing Director of TOR. He helped secure $110 million in investments and implemented operational reforms that reportedly saved Ghana $300 million.
Upon his appointment, Edmond Kombat expressed gratitude to President Mahama, acknowledging the trust placed in him. He expressed his profound gratitude to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama for entrusting him with the position of Deputy Managing Director of the Tema. He said it was a show of confidence by His Excellency.
TOR has faced operational and financial struggles in recent years. The refinery operates well below its installed capacity of 45,000 barrels per day due to outdated infrastructure. It also operates irregular crude supply, and a mounting debt burden, which has reduced its competitiveness against imported petroleum products.
Kombat has consistently advocated for structural reforms and new investments to restore TOR’s position as a “symbol of national pride” and a “beacon of operational excellence and financial sustainability. A backbone of Ghana’s downstream energy sector.”
His appointment aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security amid fluctuating global oil prices and increasing local fuel consumption.
Edmond Kombat underscored the importance of teamwork, innovation, and collaboration to ensure TOR’s long-term sustainability. “I am strongly committed to playing my part in helping to turn the vision of H.E. John Mahama of a robust and self-reliant energy sector into reality. I am confident that with teamwork, innovation, collective vision, and resilience, we can, together, reposition TOR,” he said.
Industry analysts have noted the refinery’s pressing need for capital investment to modernise its infrastructure. Africa’s refining capacity remains constrained, with the continent’s total output estimated at 3 million barrels per day. This meets just over half of the demand, according to the African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA).
Edmond Kombat is expected to prioritise improving crude procurement processes. He is also to prioritise optimising refinery operations and securing fresh funding streams during his tenure. His background as co-founder of the Institute for Energy Security (IES) positions him to advocate for policy reforms aimed at boosting Ghana’s energy resilience.
His global experience spans advisory roles for energy firms in South Africa, Tanzania, and Mozambique, alongside financial analysis work at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in London. Kombat holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University, where he was an Edward S. Mason Fellow, and is a licensed stockbroker with the Ghana Stock Exchange.
As Ghana confronts rising fuel demands and external oil market volatility, stakeholders view Edmond Kombat’s appointment as a strategic move to drive TOR toward efficiency, financial stability, and greater energy independence.
