Residents of Ashaiman have expressed their desire to adopt the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), a policy promoting 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, educating vendors and residents about the CRM.
A community durbar was 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 NPA, stressed that the Authority was engaging the Ministry of Finance to remove some LPG 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 is 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 Constituency, Mr. Ernest Henry Norgbey, expressed happiness about the campaign, particularly in relation to women’s education.
“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. It should be an annual event. I encourage all of you here today to take the education and training seriously for the safety of your entire household,” he urged.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman for Ashaiman Constituency, 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 the 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 urged.
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 sensitisation campaign to promote LPG adoption and behavioral change, knowledge transfer and training towards the deployment of technology across the CRM value chain for efficiency and accountability.
It is also meant to ensure collaboration 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.
