President John Dramani Mahama has said that Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plays a vital role in this transition to cleaner energy sources.
He makes the point that energy access and the transition to cleaner energy sources remain among the defining challenges of the present.
He said this on Thursday, March 12, when he commissioned a new liquefied petroleum gas vessel for Sahara Energy Resources in Ulsan, South Korea, describing it as a significant milestone in Ghana’s energy security and infrastructure development.
“Energy access and the transition to cleaner energy sources remain among the defining challenges of our time. Liquefied Petroleum Gas plays a vital role in this transition,” President Mahama stressed.
Mahama, who is on a working visit to Korea, said the acquisition of the LPG vessel will strengthen Ghana’s liquefied petroleum gas supply chain.
“Today we celebrate not only engineering excellence but also the power of partnership,” the president said.
It represents a crucial step toward energy security for Ghana, President Mahama stated, adding that such investments contribute to building “a just and inclusive energy transition that benefits present and future generations.”
“Ghana, like many of our neighbouring countries, recognises the transformative potential of LPG in supporting socio-economic development,” he added.
Mr Mahama said MT Asharami Ghana will not only fly the Ghana flag but will be dedicated to supplying the country with LPG, enhancing supply security, improving reliability, and stabilising prices through more efficient logistics.
He commended the Sahara Energy Group, West African Gas Limited (WAGL) and all partners involved in the project, stating that their collective commitment demonstrates “what can be achieved when innovation, investment, and collaboration come together to bridge infrastructure gaps, deepen regional markets, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.”
The state-of-the-art dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier represents a strategic addition to a growing fleet designed to support the evolving energy needs of the West African sub-region. Its deployment significantly expands LPG transport capacity and signals a new chapter in regional energy logistics.
Highlighting the broader implications, President Mahama noted that LPG plays a vital role in Africa’s energy transition.
“For millions of households across Africa, LPG offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels such as charcoal, firewood, and kerosene,” he said. “Its wider adoption contributes not only to improved public health but also to environmental sustainability by reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution.”
For many African countries, including Ghana, that depend on LPG imports to complement domestic production, the investment enhances supply security while creating opportunities to diversify supply sources across international markets and generate employment.
President Mahama concluded by emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships in securing Africa’s energy future.
“Through strategic investments and forward-looking partnerships such as the commissioning of MT Asharami Ghana, we are taking practical steps to enhance energy security for Ghana, West Africa, and Africa as a whole,” he said.
The commissioning of the vessel forms part of Sahara Group’s downstream fleet expansion, designed for efficient, safe, and reliable LPG transportation, reflecting the company’s commitment to strengthening energy infrastructure and fostering sustainable development in West Africa.
