President John Mahama has lauded workers of the Tema Oil Refinery for what he described as their “stellar performance” that has led to the revival of the company from collapse.
He also commended the workers of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited for their support in making TOR fully functional.
“Workers of TOR and BOST have demonstrated that the positive working partnership between labour and government is capable of producing results that can make all of Ghana proud,” President Mahama said.
TOR had until February this year been dormant following the numerous challenges that caused it to cease production of various types of fuels. Currently, it processes 45,000 barrels per day.
In October 2015, workers of the company agreed to forgo their November salaries to help revamp the fortunes of the company; a move that saved the company about GH? 3.8 million and contributed to the revamping of processes.
President Mahama in his May Day address to organised labour on Sunday in Wa in the Upper West Region commended the workers for their sacrifices, which has significantly helped in saving the refinery.
“We have seen workers sacrifice and work at the highest international standards and not only have these combine efforts brought back the crippled national asset from the brink but have also restored national fuel security.
“Today, our storage tanks; all the way from Tema to Bolgatanga are full and indeed for the first time in many years, TOR has operated nonstop since February this year,” President Mahama said.
Mr Mahama said he was happy the company is back with full swing and working efficiently to recapture its glory days, indicating that staff morale is high.
TOR currently produces more than one third of the country’s consumption. The company is seeking to expand its daily production to 60,000 barrels to account for 65 per cent of national consumption.
President Mahama said the revival of TOR not only consolidates Ghana’s fuel security but also the creation of high skilled and high paying jobs for the people of Ghana.
“The example of these two state enterprises has disproved the widely held notion that state enterprises cannot run efficiently. I call on other SOEs that are gripped by lethargy and demoralisation to learn from these two organisations,” he urged.
President Mahama said the feat achieved by the TOR and BOST puts Ghana closer to the realisation of his vision in making the country the petroleum hub in the West African sub region
He said this vision will ultimately create more jobs, “consolidate our gains in the energy sector and strengthen our currency”.
Earlier workers of TOR through the Trades Union Congress’ Secretary General, Kof Asamoah, expressed their appreciation to President Mahama for his resisting all attempts at shutting the refinery down.
TV3
