Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, on Tuesday unveiled MT Asharami Ghana, a 40,000-cubic-metre liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessel owned by Sahara Group, at the Tema Oil Jetty in the Greater Accra Region.
Built by Hyundai in 18 months, the vessel arrived on Ghanaian shores carrying 5,000 metric tonnes of LPG.
The arrival marks a significant step towards supporting Ghana’s efforts to strengthen energy supply security and expand access to cleaner cooking fuels across the country.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Jinapor said Ghana was targeting 50% LPG penetration by 2030, adding that the arrival of MT Asharami Ghana marked a significant step towards expanding access to cleaner energy solutions for Ghanaians.
Jinapor described Sahara Group as a credible partner to Ghana, recalling that several years ago, when power generation from the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam declined and the West African Gas Pipeline experienced challenges, Sahara Group supported Ghana with fuel supplies without requiring the country to raise Letters of Credit (LCs).
He commended Sahara Group for being a reliable partner to Ghana over the years.
“Let me say that the government is committed to ensuring that we promote the usage of LPG across the whole of this country because of environmental issues and desertification,” he said.
For Sahara Group, the vessel represents a strategic investment in regional energy infrastructure.
Wale Ajibade, Executive Director of Sahara Group, said the vessel’s maiden voyage to Ghana demonstrated the company’s commitment to expanding access to cleaner energy.
“This maiden voyage to Ghanaian shores signals a resounding welcome to greater access to cleaner energy, healthier homes and communities, thriving businesses and a more sustainable environment,” Ajibade said.
He said the vessel reinforced the company’s broader investment strategy spanning shipping, storage and downstream distribution.
“At Sahara, we see MT Asharami Ghana as a symbol of confidence in Ghana’s future. It reflects our unwavering belief in Ghana’s immense potential and our determination to work alongside stakeholders to deliver sustainable energy solutions that improve lives, create opportunities and drive inclusive growth,” he said.
Yaa Serwaa Alifo, Managing Director of Asharami Ghana, described the vessel’s arrival as a transformative moment.
“What we are celebrating here is the culmination of a vision and a bold statement of our commitment to Ghana’s energy future,” Alifo said.
She added that the vessel would improve access to cleaner fuel while strengthening the reliability of LPG supplies to businesses and households.
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