The newly commissioned LPG vessel MT Asharami Ghana substantially expands transport capacity and signals a new chapter in regional energy logistics for West Africa and the African continent.
President John Dramani Mahama stated this on Thursday at the commissioning ceremony of the vessel in the Republic of Korea.
He explained that the vessel, through the West Africa Gas Limited Energy initiative, represents a strategic addition to a growing fleet designed to support the evolving energy needs of the region.
The President stated that its deployment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening access to reliable and cleaner energy across West Africa and the African continent.
He disclosed that the expansion of global shipping capacity enhances supply security, improves reliability, stabilizes pricing through more efficient logistics, and creates opportunities to diversify supply sources across international markets.
President Mahama revealed that Ghana produces locally about 50% of its LPG requirements but still relies on imports for the other 50% of local consumption.
He stated that the vessel will help ensure that businesses, industries, and households can depend on modern energy services that support economic growth and improve quality of life.
The President noted that the state-of-the-art, dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier represents a substantial milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the global LPG supply chain.
The Managing Director of Asharami Ghana, Madam Yaa Serwaa Alifo, stated that expanding LPG storage and distribution capability 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 expressed appreciation to partners and hosts for their technical expertise and collaboration in delivering the project, noting that the achievement is the result of shared commitment between government, regulator, private sector, and international partners.
President Mahama commended the leadership, technical expertise, and strategic foresight demonstrated by Sahara Group, WAGL Energy, and all partners involved in bringing the project to fruition.
He noted that the commissioning underscores the enduring value of international cooperation, reflecting the strength of partnerships between Africa and global partners.
The vessel was commissioned during President Mahama’s five-day working visit to the Republic of Korea.