Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has emphasized Ghana's leading position in promoting clean fuel initiatives within the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the Egypt Energy Show in Cairo, Egypt, Dr Abdul-Hamid highlighted Ghana's fuel specifications, which mandate a Sulphur content of 50 parts per million (ppm), as the cleanest in West Africa. This policy shift, he noted, was a response to calls from civil society organizations and the public to prioritize decarbonisation objectives and environmental protection.
As the President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), Dr. Abdul-Hamid underscored Ghana's commitment to improving clean cooking solutions, particularly through the adoption of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) for LPG distribution. This model aims to enhance access to LPG while addressing safety concerns, deforestation, and improving the lives of rural women.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid outlined the government's ambitious targets under the LPG for Development Programme, which aims to achieve a 50% penetration of LPG in households nationwide by 2030. He highlighted efforts to provide free LPG cylinders to poor households in rural areas, recognizing the economic barriers that hinder access to clean cooking solutions.
Moreover, the government's commitment to the energy transition agenda was evident in its procurement of 100 electric-powered buses for the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT). This initiative serves as an exemplar in promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
In addition to clean fuel initiatives, Dr. Abdul-Hamid underscored government policies promoting solar energy adoption. State institutions are encouraged to utilize solar power, with incentives provided to private individuals seeking to power their institutions and homes with solar energy.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid commended Ghana's environment of free speech, which encourages civil society organizations and the public to actively participate in advocating for cleaner energy solutions and environmental conservation efforts. This collaborative approach, he emphasized, is crucial for achieving Ghana's vision of a sustainable and environmentally conscious energy sector.