President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a modern Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel in South Korea, describing the development as a strategic move to strengthen Ghana’s energy security and support the transition to cleaner energy across Africa.
The commissioning ceremony took place yesterday at a major shipyard in South Korea, a country renowned for its advanced maritime engineering. The event marked the official launch of the MT Asharami Ghana, a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier designed to enhance the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas.
Ghana’s President Mahama Commission LPG Vessel In South Korea To Boost Ghana Energy Security
Addressing dignitaries, industry leaders and project partners at the ceremony, President Mahama said the launch represented more than the addition of a single vessel to the global fleet.
According to him, it symbolises an important step toward strengthening infrastructure that supports the international LPG supply chain.
“For countries such as Ghana and many others across Africa that rely partly on LPG imports to complement domestic production, expanding global shipping capacity is essential,” he said.
He explained that increased shipping capacity would enhance supply security, improve reliability, stabilise pricing through more efficient logistics, and create opportunities to diversify supply sources across international markets.
President Mahama also commended the collaboration and shared vision among stakeholders involved in the project, noting that their commitment would help ensure the safe and responsible distribution of energy resources.
He said the deployment of the vessel marked a new phase in regional energy logistics and would help expand access to reliable and cleaner energy across West Africa.
Highlighting the importance of LPG in the global transition to cleaner energy, the President noted that the fuel provides a cleaner alternative to traditional sources such as charcoal, firewood and kerosene.
He explained that wider LPG adoption can significantly reduce indoor air pollution while also helping to curb deforestation.
“Through strategic investments and forward-looking partnerships, such as the one we celebrate today, we are taking practical steps to enhance energy security for Ghana, West Africa and Africa as a whole,” he stated.
“These efforts contribute to building a just and inclusive energy transition that benefits present and future generations.”
Ghana’s President Mahama Commission LPG Vessel In South Korea To Boost Ghana Energy Security
Providing additional context on Ghana’s energy sector, President Mahama revealed that the country currently produces about 50 per cent of its LPG needs locally, while the remainder is imported.
He noted that the commissioning of the MT Asharami Ghana would boost the country’s capacity to transport LPG safely, efficiently and on a larger scale, adding that improved supply logistics would ensure businesses, industries and households have reliable access to modern energy services that support economic growth and improve quality of life.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong