President commissions LPG vessel in South Korea.... to boost energy security
President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new state-of-the-art Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel in the Republic of Korea, describing it as a strategic asset that will enhance energy security and support the cleaner energy agenda across the continent.
The event, which took place yesterday at a major shipyard in South Korea, a nation celebrated for its maritime engineering prowess, saw the official launch of the MT Asharami Ghana, a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier.
Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, industry leaders and partners, President Mahama emphasised that the occasion represented far more than the launch of a single vessel.
He stated that it marked a significant milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpinned the global LPG supply chain.
"For countries such as Ghana and many across Africa that rely partly on LPG imports to complement domestic production, the expansion of global shipping capacity is essential.
"It enhances supply security, improves reliability, stabilises pricing through more efficient logistics, and creates opportunities to diversify supply sources across international markets," President Mahama said.
The President highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, praising the collective vision of stakeholders and their commitment to safe and responsible energy distribution.
He said through the West Africa Gas Limited (WAGL) Energy initiative, the vessel was a strategic addition to a fleet designed to support the region's evolving energy needs.
Its deployment, he added, signalled a new chapter in regional energy logistics and strengthened access to reliable and cleaner energy across West Africa.
Cleaner energy
President Mahama underscored the vital role of LPG in the global transition to cleaner energy sources, particularly for millions of African households.
He said LPG offered a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels such as charcoal, firewood and kerosene, contributing to improved public health by reducing indoor air pollution and supporting environmental sustainability through decreased 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,” he added.
The President provided context on Ghana's energy landscape, revealing that while the country produced about 50 per cent of its LPG requirements locally, it relied on imports for the remaining half.
He stressed that the new vessel, MT Asharami Ghana, would strengthen the collective ability to transport LPG safely, efficiently, and at scale.
"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," he added.
Commendation
President Mahama commended the leadership, technical expertise and strategic foresight demonstrated by Sahara Group, WAGL Energy, and all partners involved in the project.
The President said their commitment demonstrated what could be achieved when innovation, investment, and collaboration converged to bridge infrastructure gaps and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.
The commissioning also showed the enduring value of international cooperation, reflecting the strength of partnerships between Africa and global friends, grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
President Mahama was hopeful that the MT Asharami Ghana would stand as a symbol of progress, inspiring further investment, innovation, and collaboration across Africa’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 said.
