Ghana’s plan to increase liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) adoption to 50 per cent of households by 2030 has received a good boost following the commissioning of a 40,000cubic metre gas vessel that will supply gas to Ghana and its landlocked partners.
The vessel named ‘Asharami Ghana’, owned by Nigerian international energy and infrastructure conglomerate Sahara Group, was commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama, as a side activity of his trip to South Korea.
Speaking at the commissioning, President John Dramani Mahama described the vessel as “a significant milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the global LPG supply chain,” noting that expanded shipping capacity is essential for improving supply security, reliability and efficiency for countries that rely partly on LPG imports.
He commended Sahara Group, WAGL Energy and all partners involved for their “leadership, technical expertise and strategic foresight,” adding that the project reflects “the power of partnership” in advancing safe, efficient and responsible energy distribution across the region.
President Mahama wished the MT Asharami Ghana safe sails, expressing confidence that the vessel would inspire further investment, innovation and collaboration across Africa’s energy value chain.
The addition of the new gas vessel strengthens Ghana’s clean energy supply chain while enhancing the country’s role in regional LPG trade across West Africa.
The dual fuel vessel improves logistics efficiency, enhances supply reliability and supports cleaner energy delivery into Ghana and neighbouring markets.
According to Wale Ajibade, Executive Director, Sahara Group, the vessel reflects a regional approach to clean energy development.
“MT Asharami Ghana is more than a vessel; it is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen LPG supply security and support Ghana’s clean energy ambitions. It secures an additional 25,000mt stock security for the Ghana economy alongside the soon to be commissioned 6000-metric-tonne of 12,000-metric-tonne land storage in Tema,” he said.
With the addition of Asharami Ghana, Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet now comprises six delivered vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 cubic metres. Supported by partnerships with WAGL Energy, NNPC Limited and other stakeholders, an additional 270,000 cubic metres of capacity is under construction and due for delivery by September 2028.
Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, highlighted the development of a 12,000 metric tonne land based LPG storage terminal in Tema, with a 6,000 metric tonne first phase scheduled for completion in May 2026, to support Ghana’s domestic market while facilitating cross border LPG flows.
He thanked Yaa Serwaa Alifo, MD of Asharami Ghana, for her resilience and insistence to dedicate the huge vessel solely Ghana and its landlocked neighbours.
The commissioning coincides with Sahara Group’s 30th anniversary year, guided by the Sahara Beyond XXX milestone, which underscores the Group’s focus on building an enduring enterprise that delivers responsible growth, shared prosperity and long term impact across its markets.
