Edmond Kombat named Deputy Managing Director of TOR

Mr. Edmond B. Kombat, a distinguished energy strategist and finance professional, has been appointed by President John Dramani Mahama as the new Deputy Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). This strategic appointment is aimed at reinvigorating the country’s only state-owned refinery and enhancing its ability to compete in the national and international oil markets.

With a background in law and a wealth of experience in energy policy, corporate strategy, and financial markets, Mr. Kombat is well-equipped for the challenges ahead. He is the founding chairman of Edkom Group and has previously held the position of Special Assistant to the Managing Director at TOR, giving him a deep understanding of the refinery’s operations and the broader energy landscape in Ghana.

In expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Mr. Kombat said, “I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama. I am fully committed to supporting the President’s vision of a sustainable and self-sufficient energy sector, and I look forward to playing a role in transforming TOR into a beacon of operational excellence.”

The Tema Oil Refinery has long been under financial strain, operating at far below its full capacity of 45,000 barrels per day. This has been primarily due to a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure, inconsistent crude oil supplies, and a significant debt burden. As a result, TOR has struggled to keep pace with the increasing demand for refined petroleum products in Ghana, particularly as competition from imported products continues to grow.

The appointment of Mr. Kombat comes at a time when the refinery’s future is a subject of intense scrutiny. Over the years, TOR has faced numerous challenges that have hindered its ability to meet its potential and contribute effectively to the national energy supply. The new Deputy Managing Director brings a strong advocacy for comprehensive reforms at TOR, calling for large-scale investment and the modernization of the refinery’s infrastructure. According to Mr. Kombat, the refinery should not only serve as a critical part of the national energy landscape but should be viewed as a “symbol of national pride” and a cornerstone of Ghana’s downstream energy sector.

Mr. Kombat has long championed the need for both structural reforms and strategic investments in the refinery. He believes that TOR can be transformed into a leading player in the oil and gas industry, improving not just its financial sustainability but also its operational efficiency. His vision aligns with the broader goals of the Mahama administration to ensure Ghana’s energy security and reduce its reliance on imported refined products. The country’s growing domestic fuel consumption, combined with the volatility of global oil prices, has made it essential to bolster the capacity and efficiency of TOR.

One of Mr. Kombat’s primary goals as Deputy Managing Director is to oversee improvements in the refinery’s crude procurement processes, making them more efficient and reliable. This is critical to ensuring that TOR can operate at its full capacity, reduce downtime, and improve the quality of its output. Additionally, he will focus on optimizing refinery operations, with an emphasis on reducing costs, increasing productivity, and ensuring that the refinery meets international standards for quality and safety.

As part of his tenure, Mr. Kombat will also work to secure new sources of funding for TOR, recognizing that financial stability is crucial for the long-term viability of the refinery. Given his strong background in finance and his leadership at the Institute for Energy Security (IES), he is expected to push for the development of policies that will enhance Ghana’s energy resilience and ensure that TOR can compete in an increasingly globalized and competitive market.

Mr. Kombat’s credentials make him an ideal candidate for this critical role. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University, where he was an Edward S. Mason Fellow. He is also a licensed stockbroker with the Ghana Stock Exchange, further demonstrating his expertise in finance and investment. His career has been marked by a commitment to energy sector reforms, and his appointment at TOR will likely bring a fresh perspective to the challenges the refinery faces.

With Mr. Kombat at the helm, many hope that TOR will undergo the transformative changes it desperately needs to regain its competitiveness, improve its financial health, and play a central role in meeting Ghana’s energy needs. His leadership promises to bring a renewed sense of optimism to the refinery, and his collaborative approach, combined with a strong focus on innovation, will be key in achieving long-term sustainability for TOR.