In a significant move to bolster Ghana’s energy infrastructure and promote cleaner fuel adoption across West Africa, President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a state-of-the-art Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel at a major shipyard in South Korea.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, officially launched the MT Asharami Ghana, a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier. President Mahama described the vessel as a “strategic asset” that will enhance supply security and support the continent’s transition to cleaner energy.
“This event represents more than the launch of a single vessel; it symbolises a significant step in strengthening the infrastructure that supports the global LPG supply chain,” President Mahama told an audience of dignitaries, industry leaders, and international partners.
He emphasized that for nations like Ghana, which rely on imports to meet about half of their LPG needs, expanding global shipping capacity is crucial. “It enhances supply security, improves reliability, stabilises pricing through more efficient logistics, and creates opportunities to diversify supply sources across international markets,” he added.
The President highlighted that the vessel is part of a strategic fleet developed under the West Africa Gas Limited (WAGL) Energy initiative. This collaborative effort is designed to address the region’s evolving energy logistics and ensure safe, responsible distribution.
A Cleaner Future for West Africa
President Mahama underscored the critical role of LPG in the global shift toward cleaner energy, particularly for millions of households across Africa. By offering a cleaner alternative to traditional biomass fuels like charcoal and firewood, LPG helps reduce indoor air pollution and combat 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,” President Mahama stated. “These efforts contribute to building a just and inclusive energy transition that benefits present and future generations.”
Providing context on Ghana’s current energy mix, the President revealed that the country produces approximately 50 per cent of its LPG needs locally, with the remainder met through imports. The addition of the MT Asharami Ghana to the fleet will significantly strengthen the capacity to transport LPG safely, efficiently, and at scale.
“This LPG vessel will strengthen our collective ability to transport LPG safely, efficiently, and at scale,” President Mahama explained. “In doing so, they will help ensure that businesses, industries, and households can depend on modern energy services that support economic growth and improve quality of life.”
Commending International Collaboration
President Mahama commended the leadership and technical expertise of Sahara Group, WAGL Energy, and other partners involved in the project. He noted that their commitment demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation and investment are combined to bridge infrastructure gaps across Africa.
He expressed hope that the MT Asharami Ghana would serve as a symbol of progress and inspire further investment across the continent’s energy value chain.
“Together, we can build the infrastructure, partnerships, and policies necessary to secure a sustainable and prosperous energy future for our continent,” he concluded.
