President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier, MT Asharami Ghana, describing it as a major step toward strengthening energy security for Ghana and the wider West African region.
The commissioning ceremony took place in the Republic of Korea on Thursday, March 12, 2026, during the President’s working visit aimed at deepening cooperation between Ghana and Korea in trade, technology, and industrial development.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama said the launch of the vessel represents more than the addition of a ship to the global fleet, noting that it marks an important milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that supports the international LPG supply chain.
He explained that for countries such as Ghana, which still depend partly on LPG imports to complement domestic production, expanding global shipping capacity helps improve supply reliability, stabilise prices through efficient logistics, and diversify supply sources across international markets.
President Mahama noted that the vessel forms part of the West Africa Gas Limited (WAGL) Energy initiative and will significantly enhance the region’s LPG transportation capacity.
He emphasised that the development reflects a shared commitment among partners to expand access to reliable and cleaner energy across West Africa and the broader African continent.
The President highlighted the growing importance of LPG in Africa’s energy transition, pointing out that it provides a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels such as charcoal, firewood and kerosene, while helping to reduce deforestation and indoor air pollution.
According to him, wider adoption of LPG can also improve public health outcomes and support environmental sustainability across the region.
President Mahama revealed that although Ghana produces about 50 percent of its LPG requirements locally, the country still relies on imports to meet the remaining demand.
He said the addition of the MT Asharami Ghana will help strengthen the capacity to transport LPG safely and efficiently at scale, ensuring that industries, businesses and households have reliable access to modern energy services.
The President commended the Sahara Group, West Africa Gas Limited, and their partners for their leadership and investment in the project.
He noted that their collaboration demonstrates how innovation, investment and strategic partnerships can bridge infrastructure gaps, deepen regional energy markets and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.
President Mahama further stressed that the commissioning of the vessel highlights the importance of international cooperation, particularly partnerships between Africa and global partners built on mutual respect, shared prosperity and sustainable development.
By Celestine Avi
