- Revenue performance seeing downward trends
- concerns mount over non-compliance with presidential directives
A News Desk Report
Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is once again in the spotlight—not for its operational struggles or long-standing debt burdens, but for concerns surrounding governance and compliance under its new leadership.
At the heart of the issue is Dr. Yussif Sulemana, the recently appointed Managing Director of the only state-owned refinery.
Despite a strong financial showing in February, where TOR’s Commerce Division exceeded its revenue target by generating US$2.92 million—more than double the projected US$ 1.17 million—there are growing concerns that Dr. Sulemana is failing to adhere to key directives from the Office of the President.
Internal documents reviewed by the B&FT reveal that TOR has yet to comply with a presidential order suspending all post-retirement contract appointments across the public service.
The directive, issued on April 2 and signed by Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, instructed all public agencies and institutions to immediately halt the engagement of retired personnel on post-retirement contracts.
Yet, at TOR, such contracts reportedly remain in place, and no evidence has emerged of approvals from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
On the day the directive was given, an individual “who retired on March 26, 2025, has at the request of TOR, agreed to be engaged as Office Supervisor in the Managing Director’s Office on contract for a period of one (1) year effective April 1, 2025, to March 30, 2026.”
Similarly, two days later, on April 4, 2025, another individual was engaged for an additional period of six months.
“We have received and reviewed the recommendation for your contract status and wish to express our appreciation for your dedicated service over the past twenty-six (26) years.
“Your commitment and contributions, particularly in reviving vehicles deemed obsolete and making a good impact in the transport section, have been invaluable to the Refinery,” the contract document read.
“In recognition of your exemplary performance and the ongoing need for your leadership in the Transport Section, we are pleased to inform you that your contract request has been approved by Management for a period of six (6) months, commencing immediately following your official retirement date 5th April 2025-31 October 2025,” it further stated.
Revocation of public sector appointments post December 7
In addition, the refinery has not acted on an earlier directive that revoked all public sector appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024—following the general elections.
That order, circulated by the Office of the Chief of Staff in February, was clear in its intent: all such appointments were to be annulled, and a comprehensive report submitted to the presidency by February 17. While many public institutions have complied, TOR’s management is yet to take visible action.
The situation has raised concerns among government observers and within sections of the refinery itself, with some questioning whether Dr. Sulemana is willfully defying presidential instructions or merely dragging his feet. The lack of clarity has deepened unease over TOR’s governance structure and accountability mechanisms.
Strong financial performance not so strong
Meanwhile, TOR’s strong financial performance in February has quickly lost steam. Revenue declined by 12.8 percent in March to US$ 2.53 million, before plunging 75 percent to less than US$700,000 by the end of April 2025 – the lowest in almost a decade.
The sharp drop has cast doubt over the sustainability of February’s gains and reignited questions about the refinery’s operational stability.
While the February surge was attributed to improved storage, increased inflows, and strategic efforts across the Commerce, Maintenance, Finance, and Safety teams, the dramatic reversal in subsequent months have raised concerns that deeper structural and leadership issues may be at play.
The Office of the President has not publicly addressed TOR’s failure to comply with the directives, nor has there been any official comment from the Ministry of Energy or TOR’s Board. The silence has done little to quell concerns about the refinery’s trajectory under its new leadership.
