Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Ajoba Blay, has announced a significant increase in gas processing capacity and outlined ambitious infrastructure expansion plans aimed at strengthening Ghana’s energy security and supporting industrial growth.
Speaking at a government engagement in Accra attended by President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Ms. Blay said the company had raised the operational capacity of its Gas Processing Plant (GPP) from an average of 100 million standard cubic feet (MMScf) per day to 120 MMScf within a year of her leadership. She attributed the gains to improved operational discipline, collaboration and a renewed focus on accountability.
“Our mandate is delivering measurable results and meaningful impact,” she said, noting that uninterrupted gas supply had been sustained throughout the period under review.
The CEO also highlighted a major operational milestone during the company’s planned maintenance shutdown in 2025, where the plant resumed operations in 10 days—four days ahead of schedule—resulting in cost savings and improved efficiency.
“This achievement was delivered at a comparatively reduced cost in line with our objective of cost optimisation,” she said.
Cultural transformation drives efficiency
Ms. Blay, who assumed office about a year ago, said one of her first actions was to conduct a comprehensive operational review to assess the company’s strengths and identify systemic inefficiencies.
She identified what she described as a “culture of false urgency,” where most operational issues were treated as critical, leading to reactive decision-making and inefficiencies.
“Recognising that this was a cultural issue rather than an operational one, we introduced structured planning, prioritisation, and accountability,” she said. She added that the reforms had stabilised operations and positioned the company for future growth.
Expansion projects to boost energy security
With operational stability achieved, Ms. Blay said Ghana Gas was now aligned with the government’s broader energy strategy to expand gas infrastructure nationwide.
Key projects planned include the installation of a third gas compressor, construction of the Takoradi–Tema gas pipeline, and development of a second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II).
“These are generational investments that will strengthen energy security, stimulate industrial growth, and anchor Ghana’s long-term development,” she said.
The projects are expected to enhance gas supply reliability to power plants and industries, reducing Ghana’s dependence on more expensive alternative fuels.
Strategic media partnership
Ms. Blay emphasised the importance of collaboration with the media, describing it as essential to building public trust and ensuring accurate reporting on energy sector developments. She said Ghana Gas has supported media development through sponsorships, specialised training programmes, academic scholarships and regular stakeholder engagements to deepen journalists’ understanding of gas operations.
“Our objective is to equip the media with the knowledge and access necessary to report accurately and responsibly,” she said, while encouraging journalists to hold the company accountable in a constructive manner.
Ms. Blay also underscored the importance of women’s leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as energy, noting that competence and leadership transcend gender.
She cited the formation of an internal women’s initiative, “Gas Ladies,” aimed at mentoring and empowering more women within the organisation.
Her remarks formed part of a broader government communication programme designed to highlight leadership and strengthen public confidence in national institutions. Ghana Gas plays a critical role in processing and supplying natural gas to power plants and industries, making its operational efficiency central to the country’s energy stability and economic growth.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
