Staff of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) have received a 30 per cent salary increase, marking the first adjustment in their remuneration in 10 years, according to the refinery’s Managing Director, Edmond Kombat.

Mr Kombat said the increase followed negotiations between management and the relevant labour unions as part of efforts to address longstanding concerns over staff remuneration and improve employee welfare.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 26, 2026, the TOR Managing Director said the salary adjustment was among measures introduced by the current management to improve working conditions and address concerns affecting employees.

He disclosed that management had also reviewed and addressed more than 300 petitions submitted by staff, a process that increased the refinery’s wage bill by 10 per cent.

“We also addressed more than 300 staff petitions. It increased our wage bill by 10 percent but we were able to shoulder it,” he said.

Mr Kombat explained that management subsequently negotiated with the unions to secure the 30 per cent salary increase, noting that employees had gone a decade without a salary adjustment.

“This year, we also increased staff salaries by 30 percent. The fact that for the last 10 years, there had not been staff salary increments. We had to negotiate with the unions and make sure that staff salaries went up by 30 percent,” he added.

Steady Crude Oil Supply

Beyond improvements in staff welfare, Mr Kombat said the refinery had secured a steady supply of crude oil to support its operations, addressing previous challenges associated with the availability of feedstock.

According to him, the consistent supply has enabled the plant to operate with greater certainty regarding crude oil availability.

“TOR has also maintained a steady supply of crude oil for the refinery’s operations. There is no longer a lack of crude, as a result, the plant is working. We have a consistent supply,” he said.

Mr Kombat further disclosed that the refinery had received five million barrels of crude oil, with additional supplies scheduled monthly for the next six months.

“We have received five million barrels and we have barrels lined up every month for the next six months,” he stated.

The developments form part of management’s efforts to address operational and staff welfare challenges at the state-owned refinery.

The salary adjustment is expected to address some of the concerns surrounding employee remuneration, while the reported consistency in crude oil supplies could support the refinery’s efforts to sustain operations.

Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson