The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has emphasized the need for strategic investments in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure to strengthen Ghana's energy security and expand access to cleaner energy. He made these remarks at a reception ceremony in Tema to welcome the MT Asharami Ghana, a 40,000-cubic-metre LPG carrier with a cargo capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes of LPG. The vessel is expected to support efforts to improve LPG supply and enhance energy security across West Africa.
The MT Asharami Ghana is a purpose-built vessel designed to serve Ghana and neighbouring markets. Dr Jinapor commended Sahara Group for its contribution to Ghana's energy sector, saying the government could not achieve its energy security and sustainable development objectives alone. He noted that the arrival of the vessel represented a significant step forward in the quest to expand access to cleaner energy solutions for Ghanaians.
The Minister said the government's vision for energy security and sustainable development required collaboration between the public and private sectors. He expressed satisfaction with the partnership between the government and Sahara Group, which had led to the acquisition of the MT Asharami Ghana. The vessel's arrival demonstrated the importance of such partnerships in developing the country's energy infrastructure.
Mr Wale Ajibade, Executive Director of Sahara Group, said the vessel represented a strategic investment in regional energy infrastructure, spanning shipping, storage and downstream distribution. He noted that the vessel's maiden voyage to Ghana marked a significant step towards improving access to cleaner energy. The investment reflected the Group's confidence in Ghana's potential and its commitment to working with stakeholders to provide sustainable energy solutions.
Ms Yaa Serwaa Alifo, Managing Director of Asharami Ghana, described the vessel's arrival as a transformative moment for the company and Ghana's energy sector. She said the vessel would improve access to cleaner fuel while strengthening supply reliability for households and businesses. The MT Asharami Ghana would play a crucial role in supporting Ghana's energy needs and promoting sustainable development.
The arrival of the MT Asharami Ghana is expected to support the government's goal of achieving 50% LPG access by 2030. Dr Jinapor has stressed that investments in LPG infrastructure were essential to Ghana's energy future. The government was committed to creating an enabling environment for private-sector players to invest in the energy sector and support the country's sustainable development objectives.
The MT Asharami Ghana's arrival in Tema marks a significant milestone in Ghana's energy sector. The vessel is expected to enhance energy security, improve access to cleaner energy and promote sustainable development. Key stakeholders, including the government and private-sector players, are working together to develop Ghana's energy infrastructure and achieve the country's energy objectives.
Key points
- The MT Asharami Ghana has a cargo capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes of LPG.
- The vessel is expected to support efforts to improve LPG supply and enhance energy security across West Africa.
- The government's goal is to achieve 50% LPG access by 2030.
