Asharami Ghana has commissioned a 6,000-metric-tonne Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage facility at the Tema Oil Jetty. This new infrastructure expands Ghana's total LPG storage capacity by approximately 10%, marking a significant step towards improved energy security and wider access to cleaner cooking fuel.
The facility represents the initial phase of a planned 12,000-metric-tonne terminal, highlighting a substantial investment by Sahara Group, Asharami Ghana's parent company. This strategic development is crucial for enhancing product availability and strengthening the reliability of LPG supply nationwide. It directly supports Ghana's national ambition to achieve at least 50% LPG access for its population by the year 2030, promoting a shift away from traditional, less clean cooking methods.
This expansion aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on biomass for cooking. Increased LPG availability can lessen deforestation and improve public health outcomes by reducing indoor air pollution. The investment also reinforces Ghana's position as a potential energy hub within the West African sub-region, facilitating regional trade and distribution of essential energy resources. Such infrastructure projects are vital for sustaining economic growth and improving living standards across the country.
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), officially commissioned the facility. He described the project as a vital contribution to Ghana's downstream petroleum infrastructure. Mr. Tameklo stated, "With this investment, Sahara Group now accounts for about 10 per cent of Ghana's entire LPG storage capacity. This is a significant addition to our national infrastructure and will help improve supply reliability as Ghana works to expand LPG access." He also noted the facility's 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation, which supports President John Dramani Mahama's 24-Hour Economy initiative.
The commissioning of this facility is expected to have several positive implications for Ghana's energy sector and economy. Enhanced storage capacity means fewer supply disruptions, leading to more stable LPG prices for consumers and businesses. This stability can encourage greater adoption of LPG, further supporting the government's clean cooking initiatives. Decision-makers will monitor the impact on LPG penetration rates and the overall energy market. The project also signals continued confidence from international investors in Ghana's economic potential and regulatory environment.
Abayomi Oyenuga, Facility Manager at Asharami Ghana, detailed the terminal's advanced features. The facility includes two propane-rated spherical tanks, offering a combined storage volume of approximately 12,000 cubic metres of LPG. It boasts a fully automated terminal system, managing everything from product receipt to dispatch, ensuring efficiency and safety. The terminal also features six loading bays, seven product pumps, an LPG liquid compressor, and a dedicated 12-inch pipeline stretching 3.5 kilometres. Advanced fire protection and emergency response systems are integrated to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Wale Ajibade, Executive Director of Sahara Group, emphasized the company's commitment to long-term growth and energy security through this investment. He highlighted that the facility strengthens Ghana's LPG value chain. This new land-based storage will operate in conjunction with MT Asharami Ghana, a 40,000-cubic-metre LPG carrier. The carrier recently delivered approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of LPG to Ghana, creating an integrated platform that connects marine supply with land-based storage and distribution. This integrated approach supports cleaner energy access and regional trade, reinforcing Ghana's strategic importance in the energy sector.