President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessel named MT Asharami Ghana for Sahara Energy Resources in Ulsan, South Korea.
The state-of-the-art dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier was built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Limited and marks a major step in strengthening Ghana’s energy security and LPG supply chain.
The President, who is on a working visit to South Korea, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development and energy transition efforts.
“Today we celebrate not only engineering excellence but also the power of partnership,” President Mahama said during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday.
He emphasised that the vessel, which will fly the Ghana flag and be dedicated to supplying the country with LPG, will enhance supply security, improve reliability, and help stabilise prices through more efficient logistics.
“This represents a crucial step toward energy security for Ghana,” the President stated. “Such investments contribute to building a just and inclusive energy transition that benefits present and future generations.”
President Mahama highlighted the broader role of LPG in Africa’s socio-economic development, noting that it provides a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels like charcoal, firewood, and kerosene for millions of households.
“For many African countries, including Ghana, that depend on LPG imports to complement domestic production, this investment enhances supply security while creating opportunities to diversify supply sources across international markets and generate employment,” he added.
He commended Sahara Energy Group, West African Gas Limited (WAGL), and all partners involved in the project for their commitment to bridging infrastructure gaps, deepening regional markets, and unlocking sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.
The commissioning forms part of Sahara Group’s downstream fleet expansion strategy, aimed at ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable LPG transportation to meet the evolving energy needs of the West African sub-region.
President Mahama concluded by stressing the importance of strategic partnerships in securing the continent’s energy future.
“Through strategic investments and forward-looking partnerships such as the commissioning of MT Asharami Ghana, we are taking practical steps to enhance energy security for Ghana, West Africa, and Africa as a whole,” he said.
The new vessel is expected to significantly expand LPG transport capacity and signal a new chapter in regional energy logistics.
