President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a modern Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel in South Korea, describing the project as a major step toward strengthening energy security and supporting cleaner energy access across Ghana and the wider African region.

The commissioning ceremony took place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at a major shipyard in South Korea and marked the official launch of the MT Asharami Ghana, a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier designed to transport large volumes of liquefied petroleum gas safely and efficiently.

Strategic infrastructure for LPG supply

Speaking at the event, President John Dramani Mahama said the commissioning represented more than the launch of a single vessel.

According to him, the project symbolises a significant investment in the infrastructure that supports the global LPG supply chain.

“For countries such as Ghana and many across Africa that rely partly on LPG imports to complement domestic production, the expansion of global shipping capacity is essential,” he said.

He noted that expanding LPG shipping capacity would improve supply security, enhance reliability, stabilise pricing through more efficient logistics, and allow countries to diversify their energy supply sources across international markets.

Boost for West Africa’s energy logistics

The President explained that the vessel forms part of a strategic fleet under the West Africa Gas Limited (WAGL) Energy initiative, which aims to strengthen energy logistics across West Africa.

He said the deployment of the MT Asharami Ghana marks an important step in expanding access to reliable energy in the region and supporting growing energy demand.

Supporting cleaner energy transition

President John Dramani Mahama emphasised that LPG plays a critical role in the global transition toward cleaner energy sources, particularly for millions of households across Africa.

He explained that LPG provides a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels such as charcoal, firewood, and kerosene, helping to reduce indoor air pollution and limit environmental damage caused by deforestation.

“Through strategic investments and forward-looking partnerships, such as the one we celebrate today, we are taking practical steps to enhance energy security for Ghana, West Africa, and Africa as a whole,” he said.

Strengthening Ghana’s LPG supply capacity

Providing insight into the country’s energy landscape, President Mahama said Ghana currently produces about half of its LPG needs locally and depends on imports to meet the remaining demand.

The new vessel, he explained, will strengthen the country’s ability to transport LPG safely, efficiently and at scale, ensuring a more stable supply for businesses, industries and households.

“This LPG vessel will strengthen our collective ability to transport LPG safely, efficiently and at scale,” he stated.

Praise for project partners

President Mahama also commended the efforts of Sahara Group, West Africa Gas Limited, and other partners involved in the project for their leadership and technical expertise.

He noted that their collaboration demonstrates how innovation, investment and international partnerships can help bridge infrastructure gaps and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.

The President added that the project also highlights the value of cooperation between Africa and global partners in advancing sustainable development goals.