By Dominic Hlordzi
Residents of Ashaiman have expressed their desire to adopt the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), a policy promoting the safe use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country.
This follows a four-day National LPG awareness and sensitisation campaign, which was climaxed with a durbar in the area.
The exercise is a collaboration between the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), an initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Energy, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and Digicraft Advertising/Brand Management.
It included market activations, community durbars, and town hall meetings.
The campaign began with market activations in Ashaiman and Tema, Madina, Nima and Achimota, where residents and LPG vendors were educated about the CRM.
A community durbar was also held at the Tema Newtown Main Lorry Station, where attendees were urged to support the initiative.
Mr. Johnson Gbagbo, a supervisor at the Gas Directorate of the NPA, stressed that the Authority is engaging the Ministry of Finance to remove some taxes on LPG to make it more affordable and accessible to consumers.
“The prices of gas may be expensive but calculate the amount of charcoal a day. It’s at a higher cost, to purchase gas would be healthier, efficient, and more convenient,” he stressed.
Speaking at the town hall durbar held at the Assemblies of God Church, Central Assembly in Ashaiman, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Mr. Ernest Henry Norgbey, was happy about the campaign, particularly in relation to women who often use the product.
“I am happy that the NPA is here to create awareness, especially for our women, and to educate us about the use of gas,” he said.
The legislator highlighted the importance of safe use of LPG, citing recent fire incidents in specific electoral areas in Ashaiman that resulted in injuries and loss of property.
He urged the NPA to make the initiative an annual programme, rather than a one-time project.
“This programme is very important and should not be a nine-day wonder. NPA should continually educate Ghanaians. As the MP for Ashaiman, my concern is for my constituents. I encourage all of you here today to take the education and training seriously for the safety of your entire household” he urged.
The Ashaiman Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Mr. Narh-Gbeeku Alexander Amanor, who chaired the occasion, touched on the importance of collective support for the initiative.
“Let us unite in embracing this programme, as its benefits will be felt by all of us,“ he stressed.
A representative of Digicraft Advertising/Brand Management, Prince Opoku, stressed the need for people to be wary of the health risks of using charcoal and firewood.
“Research shows that smoke from firewood and charcoal can cause lung issues and respiratory problems. We encourage you to switch to gas for a healthier alternative, in support of the NPA’s new policy. This policy promotes a healthier lifestyle, and it’s crucial to embrace it to protect your health,” he encouraged the people.
Mrs. Euince Budu Nyarko, Head of Consumer Services at NPA, said the programme was aimed at achieving the objective of removing barriers to energy access in developing markets, accelerating technology developments, and reducing environmental impact of conventional energy sources, among others.
She explained that the collaboration was centered on end-user sensitization campaign to promote LPG adoption and behavioural change, knowledge transfer and training towards the deployment of the technology across the CRM value chain for efficiency and accountability.
She said the Authority is working with cylinder manufacturing companies to ensure availability of LPG cylinders and identify opportunities for investment in the LPG distribution infrastructure.
“The OSP’s recognition of partnership is crucial to the successful rollout of the CRM, targeting sustainable energy, access and reduced environmental impact,” she added.
The team also engaged market patrons in Madina, Nima, and Achimota, promoting safe LPG use and the benefits of CRM.