Prof. Ben K.D. Asante, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, has outlined the transformative impact of Ghana Gas infrastructure on the country's energy sector.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Sunday, Prof. Asante detailed the milestones, challenges, and achievements in the company’s journey toward energy sustainability.
“Ghana Gas achieved a major milestone in November 2014, when the country received its first domestic gas. Following the installation of our infrastructure, it took approximately five months to commission the system, leading to the commencement of commercial operations in May 2015,” Prof. Asante revealed.
"This marked a turning point as Ghana transitioned from relying on limited gas imports from Nigeria and liquid fuels, such as light crude oil and diesel, to utilizing its own gas resources.”
Prof. Asante highlighted the significant upgrade in gas transmission capacity over the years.
“Initially, our pipeline between Atuabo and Takoradi could handle only 135 units of gas. However, the installation of the Aboadze compressor in 2020 tripled that capacity to 405 units. This critical infrastructure enhanced the efficiency of our gas distribution system,” he said.
The relocation of the Karpowership from Tema to the Takoradi enclave in 2019 was another key development.
The ship, with a capacity of 450 megawatts, previously relied on heavy fuel oil (HFO).
Its proximity to Ghana Gas infrastructure now enables it to use natural gas, reducing fuel costs and emissions.
"The Karpowership’s 450 megawatts represent approximately 20% of the country’s total thermal capacity, underscoring the importance of this integration,” Prof. Asante emphasized.
Discussing the broader impact of natural gas utilization, Prof. Asante noted that approximately 94% of processed gas from the Jubilee and TEN fields is directed toward power generation, while 6% is used to produce natural gas liquids (NGLs), including LPG and condensates.
“Currently, Ghana Gas supplies about 50% of the country’s LPG needs, while 85% of the gas used for thermal power generation is handled by our infrastructure. This underscores our pivotal role in the energy sector,” he explained.
He added that condensates are blended with RON95 to produce premix fuel for outboard motors, benefiting coastal communities significantly.
Prof. Asante concluded with an invitation for stakeholders and the public to visit the Atuabo plant to gain firsthand knowledge of Ghana Gas operations.
"Our facilities demonstrate the critical role we play in ensuring energy security and advancing the country’s economic development,” he said.
The achievements of Ghana Gas underscore the importance of strategic investments in energy infrastructure to reduce dependency on imports, boost local production, and support national development.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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