The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has intensified its efforts to promote safe cooking practices in the Western Region of Ghana.
Through community and market engagements, the NPA is educating Ghanaians on the health, safety, and environmental benefits of using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) over traditional cooking fuels like firewood and charcoal. These engagements have taken place in communities such as Axim, Agona Nkwanta, Kojokrom, and Jubilee, featuring interactive sessions, presentations, and the distribution of educational materials on LPG safety.
A grand durbar was held at the Kwesimintsim Lorry Station, where stakeholders emphasized the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Speaking at the event, the Divisional Chief of Kwesimintsim, Nana Ogudzi Essoun III, highlighted the significant health risks posed by traditional cooking methods. He cited research showing that prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood and charcoal can lead to respiratory diseases, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart-related illnesses. He further noted that children exposed to such smoke face higher risks of pneumonia, while pregnant women may experience complications, including low birth weight in their newborns.
“By embracing LPG, households can drastically reduce indoor air pollution, protect their health, and improve their overall quality of life,” he stated, urging the NPA and government to make gas accessible, affordable, and available to all Ghanaians.
Nana Ogudzi Essoun applauded the NPA for spearheading the campaign, describing it as a critical step toward environmental sustainability and public health improvement. LPG, a clean-burning fuel, produces significantly fewer emissions than traditional fuels, thereby mitigating deforestation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Addressing participants, the Supervisor of Gas at the NPA, Mr. Johnson Gbagbo Junior, explained the environmental and health advantages of LPG. “LPG is a cleaner and healthier alternative to firewood and charcoal. It not only protects our environment but also reduces exposure to harmful pollutants that cause respiratory diseases, eye damage, and heart conditions,” he stated. Mr. Gbagbo emphasized the need for the urgent adoption of LPG, calling on Ghanaians to transition to gas as a sure way to stay safe and healthy.
Earlier engagements saw Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko, Head of Consumer Service at the NPA, interact with market women at Axim Market and the landing beach site. She explained that continuous inhalation of smoke from traditional fuels damages the lungs and eyes. Mrs. Budu Nyarko encouraged participants to embrace LPG and highlighted the introduction of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), a government initiative designed to enhance access to LPG and ensure safety throughout the distribution chain. Divisional Officer Grade Two of the Fire Service, Mr. Bernard Adjei, also took participants through fire safety and drills.
Nationwide Campaign for Cleaner Energy
The Western Regional campaign is part of a nationwide initiative by the NPA to promote LPG as a sustainable and environmentally friendly cooking fuel. Similar campaigns have been held in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Volta regions. These efforts align with global strategies to mitigate climate change by reducing reliance on biomass fuels, which contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
The campaign, organized in partnership with Digicraft Advertising and Saudi Arabia’s Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), underscores the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to cleaner energy solutions. By adopting LPG, households can improve indoor air quality, enhance public health, and contribute to the fight against climate change.
The NPA reiterated its dedication to making LPG accessible and affordable nationwide while continuing to educate the public on its safe and efficient use. This initiative represents a collective effort to combat indoor air pollution and safeguard the environment for future generations.
