NPP Slams Arrest of Party Communicator as Political Witch-Hunt
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has fired back at the government of President John Dramani Mahama, condemning the arrest and remand of one of its communicators, Baba Amando, as a calculated act of political persecution and a blatant misuse of state power. Speaking at a press conference in Accra on April 15, 2026, the party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, painted a troubling picture of what he described as a deliberate campaign to silence and intimidate opposition voices. His words were measured but sharp, carrying the weight of a party that believes it is fighting not just for one man, but for the soul of democratic governance in Ghana. According to Boakye, the ordeal began on April 13, when Baba Amando, accompanied by his lawyer, voluntarily honoured a police invitation in Sunyani, a gesture of cooperation that, in the NPP’s view, should have set the tone for a fair and transparent process. Instead, what followed was anything but. Amando was transferred to Accra, with police citing vague “orders from above” as justification, a phrase the party found deeply alarming. The situation took a further turn when, despite being granted police bail and asked to report the following day, Amando was arraigned before court and remanded in custody. Most striking, the NPP noted, was the fact that the prosecution itself did not oppose bail, making the court’s decision to remand him all the more difficult to justify. Boakye did not hold back in his assessment of the Presiding Judge, accusing the court of judicial overreach and describing the remand order as entirely unwarranted. For the NPP, Amando’s case does not stand alone. Boakye drew a direct line between this arrest and the recent detention of NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, arguing that the two incidents are not isolated events but part of a broader, more sinister pattern, a systematic targeting of opposition figures by a government increasingly willing to weaponise state institutions against its critics. Central to the NPP’s accusations is the alleged involvement of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which the party claims is being deployed not to fight crime, but to stifle dissent. The party warned that such actions pose a serious threat to free speech and civil liberties, values it insists must be protected regardless of political affiliation. The NPP’s demands were unambiguous: an immediate review of the remand order, an end to the politicisation of law enforcement agencies, and a formal investigation by the Chief Justice into the conduct of the court in this matter. The party also issued a broader challenge to the Mahama administration, urging it to redirect its energy toward the real issues confronting Ghanaians, soaring unemployment, a rising cost of living, and crumbling infrastructure, rather than what it described as a relentless pursuit of political enemies. As the dust settles on what has become one of the more charged political episodes of the year, one thing is clear: the NPP has drawn a line in the sand, and it intends to fight back. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
APC South: Neurosurgeon Congratulates Nwoye, Calls for Unity, Inclusive Leadership
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ugwuanyi Ugochukwu Charles, has congratulated the party’s newly elected Deputy National Chairman (South), Dr. Ben Nwoye, describing his emergence as a significant milestone in consolidating the APC’s influence across the Southern region. In a press statement issued following the party’s National Convention held on March 28, 2026, Dr. Ugwuanyi, a Chief Consultant Neurosurgeon and Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, praised Dr. Nwoye’s track record as a former APC Chairman in Enugu State and his reputation as an inclusive, grassroots-oriented leader. “Dr Nwoye’s emergence marks a significant step in strengthening the party’s foothold in the Southern region,” Ugwuanyi said. “His proven track record … positions him well to consolidate the gains already recorded by the party across the South.” He also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, whose tenure, he noted, laid a solid foundation for party growth and cohesion. The APC stalwart further commended the growing influence of the party in the South East, singling out the pioneering role of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in advancing the party’s presence in the region. He equally lauded Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for a governance style he described as visionary, inclusive, and development-focused, citing notable strides in aviation, education, and healthcare as evidence of disciplined planning. While acknowledging that ongoing reforms by the APC-led Federal Government may pose short-term challenges, Ugwuanyi expressed strong optimism that these measures would yield lasting benefits and sustainable development for Nigerians. He urged Dr. Nwoye to recognise the enormity of his responsibility—not only to deepen party structures across the South but also to promote political stability as a foundation for delivering democratic dividends. Dr. Ugwuanyi also commended the APC Enugu State Chairman, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike, for his commitment to party leadership at the state level, describing his role as critical in fostering unity and mobilising support. In a direct appeal to party members, stakeholders, and supporters, especially in Enugu State, he called for unity, cooperation, and shared purpose. “Stability, cooperation, and shared purpose are essential for sustained progress,” he said. Dr. Ugwuanyi, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS) in Neurosurgery and founder of Wellington Neurology and Neurosurgery Hospital, Abuja, has been an active pillar of the APC in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State. Read the full statement below: PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Consolidating Party Strength, Stability, and Inclusive Leadership in APC I wish to extend warm congratulations to the newly elected Deputy National Chairman(South), Dr Ben Nwoye, following the successful conclusion of the APC National Convention held on March 28, 2026. Dr Nwoye’s emergence marks a significant step in strengthening the party’s foothold in the Southern region. His proven track record as former APC Chairman in Enugu State, combined with his reputation as an inclusive and grassroots-oriented leader, positions him well to consolidate the gains already recorded by the party across the South. I also acknowledge the contributions of his predecessor, Chief Emma Eneukwu, whose tenure laid a solid foundation for party growth and cohesion. The growing influence of the APC in the South East continues to reflect strategic leadership and sustained efforts over time. Notably, the pioneering role played by the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in advancing the party’s presence in the region remains commendable. Equally significant is the leadership of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, whose governance style reflects vision, inclusiveness, and a commitment to development. His efforts demonstrate a clear intention to carry all stakeholders along, fostering unity and strengthening confidence in governance. The strides recorded in key sectors, including aviation, education, and healthcare, are a testament to disciplined planning and purposeful leadership. While ongoing reforms by the APC-led Federal Government may present short-term challenges, there is strong optimism that these measures will yield lasting benefits and sustainable development for Nigerians. As I congratulate Dr Ben Nwoye, I recognize the enormity of the responsibility before him—not only to deepen party structures across the South but also to promote political stability as a foundation for delivering democratic dividends. I also commend the APC Enugu State Chairman, Dr Martins Chukwunweike, for his commitment to party leadership at the state level. His role remains critical in fostering unity and mobilizing support for the party’s vision. Importantly, at this crucial time, I call on all party members, stakeholders, and supporters, essentially in Enugu State, to remain united, supportive, and focused on the collective goal of building a stronger, more inclusive APC. Stability, cooperation, and shared purpose are essential for sustained progress. Signed: Dr Ugwuanyi Ugochukwu Charles FRCS (SN) England Editors Note: PROFESSIONAL BOILERPLATE (BRIEF) Dr. Ugochukwu Charles Ugwuanyi, FRCS (Eng) Neurosurgery, FMCS, FACS (SN), FICS (SN), MD, MBA, KSJI Dr. Ugochukwu Charles Ugwuanyi is a highly accomplished Chief Consultant Neurosurgeon with over three decades of experience in clinical practice, medical education, healthcare leadership, and public service. He is the Founder of Wellington Neurology and Neurosurgery Hospital, Abuja, and currently serves as Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment on medical and pharmaceutical matters. A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS) in Neurosurgery, Dr. Ugwuanyi has received multiple prestigious fellowships and advanced specialist training in the United Kingdom, United States and across Europe. He previously served as Head of Neurosurgery at the National Hospital Abuja, where he trained and mentored numerous neurosurgeons and contributed significantly to research and global medical discourse. He also served as Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association Federal Capital Territory. He is an advocate for healthcare innovation, private sector participation, and sustainable health financing, with a strong commitment to advancing quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria. His philanthropic efforts and community interventions further underscore his dedication to societal development. Statement of Preparedness: Dr. Ugwuanyi’s extensive experience, leadership, and service have equipped him for higher responsibilities. He
Court Eases Bail Conditions for Ex-National Service Boss Amid Ghost Names Trial
The High Court in Accra has amended the bail conditions of former Executive Director of the National Service Authority, Osei Assibey Antwi, permitting him to report to the Kumasi office of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) rather than making the trip to Accra, a concession his legal team had sought and the state did not resist. The development came during court proceedings on Monday, where the defense applied for a variation of the bail terms alongside a request for additional time to review case materials. Prosecutors informed the court that 49 documents had already been disclosed to the defense, with further disclosures still to come. The defense, citing the need to thoroughly examine the materials, requested a one-month adjournment. The presiding judge granted both applications, adjourning the case to May 13. Mr. Antwi faces serious charges, including stealing, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state, all stemming from his tenure at the National Service Authority. But beyond the bail amendment, Monday’s proceedings also shed light on significant revisions to the charges themselves. The principal allegation of causing financial loss to the state has been amended in two notable ways. Originally, prosecutors alleged that Mr. Antwi authorised payments totalling GH¢500,861,744.02 to more than 60,000 purported “ghost” national service personnel. The amended charge tells a somewhat different story, reducing the alleged financial loss to GH¢431,761,556.76 and replacing the reference to “ghost names” with the broader description of “non-service personnel and unverified individuals.” Investigations by the National Intelligence Bureau paint a troubling picture of what allegedly transpired at the Authority over several years. Findings reportedly indicate that 63,672 unverified registrants were submitted into the payment system between 2018 and 2024 for service allowances or vendor payments. Between August 2021 and February 2025, the Authority is alleged to have disbursed GH¢431,761,556.76 to individuals who either did not undertake national service or whose identities could not be verified, a staggering sum at the centre of what has become one of Ghana’s most closely watched public sector fraud cases. The case returns to court on May 13. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Volta Regional House of Chiefs Condemns EOCO’s Conduct Over Dr. Kwamigah-Atokple Case
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs has fired a strong broadside at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), criticising the anti-crime body’s handling of matters involving Dr. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, the Volta Region’s representative on the Council of State. In a press statement dated Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the House did not attempt to hide its displeasure, describing EOCO’s actions as fundamentally at odds with the principles of constitutional democracy and the rule of law — a rebuke that laid bare the growing tension between the traditional authority and the state agency. The chiefs pointed to a recent High Court ruling that had found EOCO guilty of acting without a lawful mandate and in violation of constitutional principles of fairness in its handling of the case. To the House, the court’s verdict was not a matter open to interpretation; it was, in their words, unequivocal. Yet, despite that ruling, the trouble did not end there. Dr. Kwamigah-Atokple alleged that EOCO had pressed on regardless, maintaining its investigation and even going so far as to publicly question the legitimacy of the judgment. For the House of Chiefs, this was a step too far. Such conduct, they argued, amounted to a direct assault on the court’s authority and could not go unchallenged. The chiefs were equally pointed in their message to EOCO: if the agency took issue with the ruling, the proper and lawful course of action was to appeal the decision through the appropriate legal channels, not to act in ways that gave the appearance of defying the court’s authority. The statement drove home a principle that the House considered non-negotiable: that no institution, however powerful, stands above the law. The decisions of the courts, they stressed, must be respected at all times, without exception. In its strongest terms, the House condemned EOCO’s posture, warning that it posed a serious threat to administrative justice and risked eroding public confidence in Ghana’s legal system. Bringing its statement to a close, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs issued a clear call to EOCO: exercise restraint, and demonstrate full and unambiguous respect for the authority of the courts. The House also took the moment to reaffirm its own unwavering commitment to upholding justice, due process, and the integrity of Ghana’s constitutional institutions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Leadership Change at IGP’s Special Operations Team Amid Assault Investigation
The leader of the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) Special Operations Team, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, has been removed from his post as investigations continue into an alleged assault case against him and members of the team. Jalil and his colleagues are being probed for allegedly assaulting renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. In a formal ceremony held on April 7, 2026, at the National Police Training School in Accra, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil officially handed over command responsibilities to his successor, Superintendent Augustine Dawson Amoah, who will be supported by three other senior officers, marking a new chapter in the team’s leadership. Speaking at the ceremony, the outgoing DSP Jalil called on personnel to extend their full cooperation and support to the incoming leadership, stressing the importance of continuity and operational effectiveness within the team. Superintendent Amoah, in his maiden address to the team, struck a tone of resolve and commitment. He assured personnel of his dedication to effective leadership and called for unity, discipline, and professionalism in the execution of their duties as the team moves forward under new command. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Nominates Five to Ghana’s Fiscal Council in Bold Push for Fiscal Discipline
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated five distinguished individuals to serve on Ghana’s newly constituted Fiscal Council. The announcement, made on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, signals the government’s firm commitment to entrenching fiscal discipline and transparency in the management of the country’s economy. The nominations were communicated through a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President’s Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications. According to the statement, the appointments were made pursuant to Section 11D of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), as amended by the Public Financial Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1136). Leading the pack of nominees is Dr. Emmanuel Oteng Kumah, who has been designated as Chairperson of the Council. A seasoned international economic consultant and adviser, Dr. Kumah brings with him a wealth of experience drawn from his time at the International Monetary Fund and his tenure as former Board Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana. Joining him is Associate Professor Patrick Opoku Asuming of the University of Ghana Business School, nominated to represent academia on the Council. A development economist with a PhD from Columbia University, Prof. Asuming has published extensively on health economics and public policy in Ghana, making him a fitting voice for evidence-based fiscal governance. Rounding out the nominees are J. Kweku Bedu-Addo, a former public policy expert from the Finance Ministry, and Dr. Henry Akpenamawu Kofi Wampah, who brings deep central banking experience to the table. Dr. Wampah previously served as Governor of the Bank of Ghana from 2013 to 2016, an appointment made by President Mahama during his first term in office. The Fiscal Council itself is a product of the 2025 amendment to the Public Financial Management Act, which repealed the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018 (Act 982) and replaced the Presidential Fiscal Advisory Council that had been in place since 2018. Under the amended law, the Fiscal Council is established as an independent statutory body with the mandate to supervise the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, in the application of fiscal rules. Notably, the law bars members from holding any position within government, a deliberate measure to protect their independence and ensure impartial oversight. All five nominees are subject to parliamentary approval before the Council becomes operational. Once inaugurated, the Fiscal Council is expected to play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and prudent economic decision-making, helping to ensure that Ghana’s hard-won fiscal gains are sustained well into the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IGP Urged to Act as Extortion Racket Hits Bolgatanga Screening Centre
A dark cloud has descended on the Bolgatanga Jubilee Park, where desperate job or recruitment applicants are being squeezed for extra cash in what many are calling a brazen extortion scheme. The park, turned into a screening centre, was meant to be a place of fair process. Instead, it has become a scene of financial anguish. Applicants who had already saved GHC 1,400 for mandatory lab tests are now being told, at the gate, without warning, that they must pay an additional GHC 150. For many young men and women who travelled from remote villages, the news hit like a thunderbolt. Having scraped together the original fee, they now found themselves stranded, phones pressed to their ears as they called parents and relatives back home, begging for emergency money to be sent via mobile transfer. On the fringes of the park, so-called “connection men” are doing brisk business. These middlemen promise one thing: jump the queue and get screened quickly. For a price. They approach anxious applicants, whispering arrangements that bypass the normal process. Those who can pay get ushered ahead. Those who cannot… wait, or walk away broken. “It is pure extortion,” one applicant, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, told our reporter. “We are being milked dry, and there is nobody to stop it.” Local witnesses say the atmosphere is thick with frustration and helplessness. Some applicants have camped at the park for days, uncertain if even the extra payment will guarantee their place. In response, civil society voices and concerned citizens are now calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene immediately. They want plain-clothed officers deployed to the Bolgatanga screening centre to arrest the connection men and stamp out the illegal levies. “The IGP must act now,” a youth leader in Bolgatanga pleaded. “These are our children, our brothers and sisters. They are being robbed in broad daylight.” As of press time, officials running the screening had not issued any statement, and the connection men continued their trade, cash changing hands, no questions asked, no receipts given. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Judge Warns Prosecution Over Witness Influence as Cross-Examination Intensifies in Adu-Boahene Trial
The ongoing trial of Republic v Kwabena Adu-Boahene and Others took a notable procedural turn on Thursday, April 2, 2026, when the presiding judge issued a pointed caution to the prosecution over conduct that risked compromising the integrity of witness testimony, while cross-examination of a key prosecution witness continued to yield significant revelations about multi-million cedi transactions linked to national security accounts. Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, presiding at Criminal Court 3 of the Accra High Court, directed his caution at Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai during the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Edith Ruby Opokua Adumuah, by counsel for the accused, Samuel Atta Akyea. Measured but firm in tone, the judge reminded the Deputy Attorney General that while objections are permissible during cross-examination, they must not be used to suggest answers or steer the direction of a witness’s testimony. The court made clear that any attempt to influence a witness’s response is improper and undermines the fairness of cross-examination, a cornerstone tool for testing the credibility and consistency of evidence. The court also asserted its authority to intervene where necessary to protect the independence of witness testimony. The caution was not the only procedural irregularity noted on the day. The Deputy Attorney General arrived late for proceedings and addressed the presiding judge without the required legal gown and wig, conduct that, while not illegal, is considered improper and contrary to established courtroom practice. At one point, the judge appeared to subtly signal his displeasure, repeatedly instructing the Deputy AG to “resume your seat, resume your seat, resume your seat” as he attempted to interject with an objection. The legal framework underpinning the judge’s position is well established. Article 19(1) and (2)(g) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees every accused person the right to a fair hearing, including the right to cross-examine witnesses on the same conditions as the prosecution. Rule 52(1)(d) of the Criminal Procedure Rules, 2021, empowers the court to control examination and cross-examination to ensure proper conduct, while Sections 51 and 52 of the Evidence Act allow the court to admit or exclude evidence in the interests of justice. Lawyers are additionally bound by the Ghana Bar Association Rules of Professional Conduct to act honestly and fairly, and to avoid suggesting answers or directing witness testimony. At the centre of Thursday’s proceedings was a methodical cross-examination by Atta Akyea, designed to probe the witness’s knowledge of, and involvement in, a series of large financial transactions routed through accounts linked to national security operations. Adumuah, who served as Head of Finance at the Bureau of National Communications (BNC) at the relevant time, confirmed that she had personal knowledge of the National Security Coordinator’s Special Operations Account with Fidelity Bank, as it had been brought to her attention. She also acknowledged that prior to her interaction with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), she had believed that a BNC Operations Account at Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) was itself a Special Operations Account. Through a careful presentation of documentary evidence, Atta Akyea established that Adumuah had personally deposited two cheques, one for GHC 1 million and another for GHC 21 million, into UMB Bank account number 0241424233018, using paying-in slips dated March 18, 2020 and March 30, 2020 respectively. Both documents were admitted into evidence by the court as Exhibit 9 and Exhibit 10. Critically, Adumuah confirmed that she knew the account number into which the cheques were being deposited. She further acknowledged that she had made multiple withdrawals from the same UMB account on several dates, including June 24, June 29, July 8, August 18, and December 18, 2020, as well as February 19, 2021. She explained that these transactions were conducted on behalf of her boss, the first accused, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, with the assistance of a UMB Bank Relations Officer. When pressed on whether the withdrawals were made for National Security Special Operations expenditure, Adumuah stated that she did not know. She also said she could not recall engaging in WhatsApp communications with Adu-Boahene concerning National Security expenditure, a line of questioning that suggests further documentary evidence may be introduced as the cross-examination continues. A separate cheque of GHC 27,100,000 also featured in the proceedings. Adumuah confirmed she had written the cheque but said she did not know who had deposited it. She also confirmed that in preparing three cheques totalling GHC 49.1 million for the National Security Coordinator’s signature, she had raised no concerns, and that UMB Bank had similarly raised no objections or suspicions when the deposits were made. The case has been adjourned to April 16, 2026 at 12:00 pm, April 20, 2026 at 10:00 am, and April 21, 2026 at 12:00 pm for the continuation of cross-examination. With the defence yet to conclude its questioning of the second prosecution witness, and the prospect of further documentary evidence on the horizon, the trial shows no signs of losing momentum. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Cut Fuel Taxes Now, Windfall Oil Revenue Can Absorb the Cost — Former Finance Minister
A former Finance Minister and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has called on the government to reduce taxes on petroleum products, arguing that a windfall in oil revenues provides more than enough cushion to absorb the fiscal impact of such a move. The Karaga Member of Parliament made the remarks in a Facebook post on Friday, April 3, in direct response to rising fuel prices and mounting public pressure on the government to intervene. Dr Amin Adam was unequivocal: cutting petroleum levies would not derail the 2026 Budget, and the numbers, he argued, back that up. At the heart of his case is a significant gap between what the government projected and what it is actually earning from crude oil. The 2026 Budget was built on a benchmark crude oil price of $76.22 per barrel and an output projection of 37.95 million barrels. But actual prices have remained well above $100 per barrel for much of March, a divergence that has generated a substantial revenue upside for the country. “This means government is gaining additional windfall revenue of more than GH¢8 billion this year,” Dr Amin Adam stated, insisting that these extra inflows should be deployed to cushion Ghanaians against the rising cost of fuel rather than absorbed quietly into the national accounts. The former Finance Minister maintained that reducing petroleum levies is both necessary and fiscally sustainable under current market conditions. He urged the government to act promptly, emphasising that the additional oil revenue can fully compensate for any shortfall in fuel tax collections — effectively making the relief cost-neutral to the budget. With fuel prices having risen sharply following new National Petroleum Authority pricing guidelines, and with transport operators already threatening fare hikes, the pressure on the government to respond is intensifying. Dr Amin Adam’s intervention adds a pointed political dimension to the debate, framing tax relief not as a fiscal risk, but as a missed opportunity to translate Ghana’s oil fortunes into direct relief for ordinary citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Untold Story of Tema Oil Refinery’s Remarkable Turnaround
Not long ago, Ghana’s Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) was a shadow of its former self, debt-ridden, operationally crippled, and hemorrhaging talent. Today, its furnaces are burning again. But the man who helped turn the tide says the journey back from the brink was anything but straightforward. Edmond Kombat, Managing Director of TOR, offered a candid and at times sobering account of the refinery’s recent history during an engagement with fellows of the African Extractive Media Fellowship (AEMF), describing the state of the institution before its revival as “depressing” and nearly beyond recovery. Kombat traced the refinery’s descent from a relatively stable footing in 2016 to what he characterised as a near-collapse by 2024. At the heart of the crisis was a debt burden that had once been brought under control, reduced from $650 million to approximately $300 million before 2017, only to balloon again to around $517 million in the years that followed. The financial deterioration was accompanied by operational shutdowns, poor maintenance, and mounting liabilities across the board. The scale of the financial obligations was staggering. TOR had accumulated significant debts to the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Water, and various staff-related funds. Years of unaudited accounts and massive cumulative losses compounded the institutional rot. On the ground, the physical infrastructure told an equally grim story: 17 storage tanks were out of service, and key processing plants sat idle. Beyond the balance sheet, Kombat painted a picture of an institution hollowed out from within. Internal divisions, low staff morale, and a high attrition rate saw skilled workers depart for opportunities in the Middle East and at larger facilities such as the Dangote Refinery. “The place was so depressing that it almost looked like there was no way out,” he admitted. Rather than waiting for a government bailout, management took a different approach upon assuming leadership, one focused on internal reform and rebuilding trust from the ground up. Central to this effort was addressing the human resource grievances that had long festered within the institution. Over 300 staff petitions were reviewed, resulting in promotions and salary adjustments designed to restore confidence and reignite productivity. With limited financial capacity, TOR turned to unconventional revenue strategies to keep the lights on. The refinery extended its operational hours, attracted regional clients — including Burkina Faso — for petroleum storage services, and worked to rebuild confidence among private petroleum service providers. According to Kombat, these measures helped stabilise revenue streams and provided the foundation for initial restoration works. The clearest sign that TOR’s recovery was real came on December 19, 2025, when the refinery resumed refining operations after years of inactivity — a milestone that few had believed possible just months earlier. In a testament to the capability of its workforce, the primary processing unit, known as the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), was successfully restored by in-house engineers without any external technical support. Work is now ongoing to rehabilitate the secondary processing unit, the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC), which is expected to further enhance output and product value once operational. The rebuilding effort has extended to critical infrastructure across the refinery. Storage tanks are being rehabilitated, the loading gantry is being modernised, and a recruitment drive is underway to address an ageing workforce. To date, over 400 temporary workers and 300 permanent staff have been engaged as part of the recovery phase. Kombat was emphatic about the strategic importance of TOR to Ghana’s energy security. The refinery holds a unique position in the national petroleum supply chain, it is one of the few facilities capable of producing aviation fuel and premix fuel, and boasts storage capacity estimated at one million metric tonnes, with connections to key national and regional supply routes. Allowing such an asset to fall into irreversible disrepair, he warned, could have serious consequences, especially in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions that continue to disrupt global oil markets. Yet for all the progress made, Kombat was careful not to overstate where TOR stands today. “We are just scratching the surface,” he said, stressing that the refinery’s recovery remains in its early stages and that continuity in both management and policy direction will be essential to consolidating the gains achieved so far. The story of TOR’s revival is still being written, but for the first time in years, it appears to have a fighting chance at a different ending. Source: Apexnewsgh.com