Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday commissioned a state-of-the-art liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessel christened “MT Asharami Ghana”, owned by Nigeria-based Sahara Group in South Korea, to boost LPG supply in Ghana and across West Africa as part of his working visit to the Asian country.
The vessel, which is expected to set sail for West Africa, represents a strategic addition to a growing fleet designed to support the evolving energy needs of the West African region.
Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, industry leaders, and partners, President Mahama said the event represented more than the launch of a single vessel.
Providing further context on Ghana’s energy landscape, the President revealed that the country currently produces about 50 percent of its LPG needs locally and relies on imports to meet the remaining demand.
He said the commissioning of MT Asharami Ghana would strengthen the capacity to transport LPG safely, efficiently, and on a larger scale.
“This LPG vessel will strengthen our collective ability to transport LPG safely, efficiently, and at scale,” President Mahama explained.
He added: “In doing so, it will help ensure that businesses, industries, and households can depend on modern energy services that support economic growth and improve quality of life.”
President Mahama commended the leadership, technical expertise, and strategic foresight demonstrated by Sahara Group, WAGL Energy, and other partners involved in the project.
He said their commitment illustrates what can be achieved when innovation, investment, and collaboration come together to bridge infrastructure gaps and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.
The commissioning, he added, also highlights the enduring value of international cooperation and the strength of partnerships between Africa and its global partners, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
President Mahama expressed hope that MT Asharami Ghana would serve as a symbol of progress and inspire 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.
The Managing Director of Asharami Ghana, Madam Yaa Serwaa Alifo, stated that expanding LPG storage and distribution capacity aims to improve supply reliability, strengthen market stability, and position Ghana to meet rising demand driven by industrial growth and clean cooking initiatives.
She described the vessel commissioning as a strategic investment that strengthens Ghana’s downstream petroleum infrastructure and enhances national energy security.
Madam Alifo said the vessel represents confidence in Ghana’s growth, confidence in the regulatory framework, and confidence in the long-term sustainability of the downstream sector.
She stated that the investment aligns with President Mahama’s vision of building a resilient and sustainable downstream sector that promotes cleaner energy solutions while ensuring accessibility and security of supply for Ghanaian households and businesses.
“Today, we commission not merely an asset at sea, but a stronger foundation for Ghana’s energy future — a decisive step forward in building a resilient, secure, and modern downstream sector,” Madam Alifo said.
The Managing Director acknowledged the leadership of the Minister of Energy and the National Petroleum Authority in maintaining regulatory discipline, stating that strong oversight remains essential to sustainable sector growth.
She pledged that Sahara Group remains committed to investing responsibly, operating safely, and partnering with stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s energy transformation.
Madam Alifo also expressed appreciation to partners and hosts for their technical expertise and collaboration in delivering the project, noting that the achievement is the result of a shared commitment between government, regulators, the private sector, and international partners.
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