Mahama commissions Sahara LPG Vessel in South Korea to boost energy security in West Africa

President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the Sahara LPG Vessel, MT Asharami Ghana, in the Republic of Korea, describing the development as a significant step toward strengthening energy security and improving the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply chain in Ghana and across West Africa.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, brought together government officials, industry stakeholders, and international partners to witness the launch of the state-of-the-art vessel designed to enhance the transportation and distribution of LPG within the region.

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama said the occasion represented more than the launch of a vessel, noting that it symbolised progress in strengthening global LPG infrastructure and ensuring reliable energy supply for countries that rely partly on imports.

“It is a profound honour to join you here today in the Republic of Korea—a nation globally renowned for its excellence in shipbuilding, maritime engineering, and technological innovation—as we witness the commissioning of the Sahara LPG Vessel,” he said.

He explained that for countries such as Ghana and many others across Africa that depend partly on LPG imports to complement domestic production, expanding global shipping capacity is essential for ensuring supply security and improving energy logistics.

According to the President, the commissioning of the dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier reflects strong collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing safe, efficient, and responsible energy distribution.

“Today, we celebrate not only engineering excellence but also the power of partnership. The commissioning of this state-of-the-art LPG carrier reflects the collective vision and collaboration of stakeholders committed to advancing safe, efficient and responsible energy distribution,” he stated.

President Mahama indicated that the vessel, developed under the West Africa Gas Limited (WAGL) Energy initiative, represents a strategic addition to a growing fleet aimed at supporting the evolving energy needs of the region.

He noted that its deployment would significantly expand LPG transport capacity and strengthen access to reliable and cleaner energy across West Africa and the African continent.

Highlighting the importance of LPG in the global energy transition, the President said the fuel provides a cleaner alternative to traditional energy sources such as charcoal, firewood, and kerosene, which remain widely used across many African communities.

“Liquefied Petroleum Gas plays a vital role in this transition. For millions of households across Africa, LPG offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels such as charcoal, firewood and kerosene,” he said.

He added that the wider adoption of LPG would not only improve public health but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution.

President Mahama further noted that Ghana currently produces about 50 percent of its LPG requirements locally, while the remaining half is imported to meet national demand.

“Ghana, like many of our neighbouring countries, recognises the transformative potential of LPG in supporting socio-economic development. While Ghana produces locally about 50 percent of our LPG requirements, we still rely on imports for the other 50 percent of local consumption,” he explained.

He said the addition of MT Asharami Ghana would strengthen the region’s capacity to transport LPG safely and efficiently, ensuring that industries, businesses, and households have reliable access to modern energy services.

The President commended Sahara Group, WAGL Energy, and other partners involved in the project for their leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to expanding energy infrastructure across Africa.

He emphasised that the commissioning of the vessel also demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and the strong partnerships between Africa and global partners in advancing sustainable development.

President Mahama expressed optimism that the vessel would inspire further investment and collaboration across Africa’s energy value chain.