Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has called on the public to take action towards safeguarding the environment by reducing their use of wood and charcoal as fuel.
Speaking at the launch of NPA Consumer Week celebrations in Takoradi, Dr. Abdul-Hamid emphasized the need for a concerted effort to minimize charcoal usage, as it contributes to deforestation and releases harmful substances into the atmosphere.
While acknowledging that the complete elimination of charcoal use may not be feasible, he stressed the importance of reducing it to the barest minimum for the benefit of future generations.
The CEO’s call comes on the back of lingering concerns about the safety of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) use, following recent LPG-related accidents in parts of the country.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to safety and mentioned the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model to ensure safer access to LPG and to increase its adoption rate to 50 percent.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid noted a substantial increase in LPG consumption over the years, indicating that Ghanaians are gradually embracing LPG as a more cost-effective and cleaner fuel source.
He emphasized that the remaining challenge is to educate consumers on the safe use of LPG to further promote its adoption as a cleaner alternative for a sustainable future.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, echoed the sentiment and encouraged all Ghanaians to embrace LPG as a catalyst for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the country. Mercer highlighted the importance of LPG’s safe use and the collaborative efforts between the NPA and the Ghana National Fire Service to educate the public on proper LPG handling.
As LPG consumption continues to rise, with an expected growth to 1.2 million metric tonnes by 2030, Mercer emphasized the potential for LPG to reduce reliance on charcoal and wood for cooking while contributing to environmental conservation.
