BTA2023 The government of Ghana is preparing to ban the importation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders as part of a strategy to boost local manufacturing and expand the use of cleaner cooking fuels nationwide.
According to John Abdulai Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, the policy aims to strengthen domestic production by reviving the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited.
The government has already mobilized about $6 million toward an estimated $8 million upgrade of the state-owned factory to restore its production capacity.
Local Manufacturing to Replace Imports
Under the proposed policy, LPG distributors will eventually be required to source cylinders locally instead of importing them.
The government is working with the National Petroleum Authority and Ghana National Gas Company to upgrade the manufacturing facility and strengthen the country’s LPG supply chain.
Officials say early improvements are already visible, with production at the cylinder factory doubling this year compared with 2024 levels.
Supporting Ghana’s Clean Cooking Goals
The initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader plan to increase LPG adoption and reduce reliance on traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal.
Currently, LPG serves as the main cooking fuel for about 40% of the population, according to the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors.
The government is targeting 50% LPG penetration by 2030, a move aimed at improving air quality, protecting forest reserves, and reducing household emissions.
Strengthening the LPG Supply Chain
Authorities are also implementing reforms under Ghana’s Cylinder Recirculation Programme, which includes recalling old or obsolete cylinders for refurbishment or replacement.
State-owned energy company GOIL PLC has signed an agreement to act as an off-taker and distributor for cylinders produced locally.
Meanwhile, GOIL plans to invest around $50 million in LPG storage and distribution infrastructure to support rising demand for cleaner cooking energy.
Opportunities for Regional Exports
Lawmakers have also suggested that Ghana could leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to export locally produced cylinders to neighboring countries as demand for cleaner energy solutions rises across Africa.
Industry observers say the policy could stimulate local manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen Ghana’s domestic energy supply chain.
The government says the broader goal is to build a stronger domestic gas market while advancing the country’s energy transition strategy.
