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Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah today, 5TH November 2015 urged Ghanaians to observe the basic safety precautions when using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to ensure optimum safety and security. Hon. Buah made this known in Tamale during the launch of this year’s “Consumer Week Celebrations” hosted by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

This year’s celebration is under the theme “USE LPG SAFELY, SAVE LIVES”. Speaking at the event, Hon. Buah stressed on the crucial need to intensify public education on the safe use of LPG. “As Government is increasing domestic LPG supply, making LPG accessible to Ghanaians and, creating wealth and employment opportunities for Ghanaians, there is the need to advocate for the safe use of LPG in our homes and at the filling stations” he said.

In attendance were the Chiefs of Gukpegu, Dakpema, Sagnarigu and Lamashegu. The keynote address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye. The launch was followed with exhibition of LPG products and services by LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs) to apprise themselves of the investment opportunities in the Northern Regions for the retail of LPG.

Government recently completed the Atuabo Gas Project which commenced commercial operations on 1st April, 2015. The plant was officially commissioned by His Excellency the President on September 16, 2015. The plant, aside from delivering over 100mmscf of lean gas a day for thermal plants at Aboadze for power generation is also producing 500 tons of LPG a day for the domestic market. The plant is also on track to produce more than 180,000 metric tons of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) per year which amounts to over 50% of the present estimated 360,000 metric tons annual LPG national demand.

In terms of making LPG accessible, the Rural LPG Promotion Program is fully on course and is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Petroleum. The Ministry is distributing 6kg LPG cylinders with cook stoves and related accessories to low
access areas to aid them embrace the use of LPG thereby reducing deforestation and providing cleaner, healthier and safer form of fuel for cooking.

Last year the Ministry distributed 13,000 cylinders, cook stoves and related accessories to households in the three Northern Regions, Central, Western and Brong Ahafo Regions. This year, the Ministry is distributing 40,000 cylinders and cook stoves. So far, 20,000 cylinders and cook stoves have been distributed in eight districts. Additional 20,000 cylinders and cook stoves will be distributed by the end of the year.