The Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) stakeholder engagement, an initiative by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), which took place in Bolgatanta in the Upper East Region, was extended to Tamale in the Northern region on August 14, 2019.
The engagement, which was targeted at promoting the new Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) policy, was under the theme ‘CRM: Securing Our Safety, Creating Jobs.’
The LPG promotion policy seeks to provide direction on the marketing and distribution of LPG in a safe and efficient manner, and facilitates an increase in access to LPG nationwide.
The fundamental objective of the policy is to ensure at least 50% Ghanaian access to safe, clean and environmentally friendly LPG for domestic, commercial and industrial usage by 2030.
Addressing the many who were present, the Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Mr Alhassan S. Tampuli explained that the introduction of LPG as fuel for domestic use is meant to curb rapid deforestation arising from reliance on wood fuel which is fast depleting the national forest cover.
“In 2018, Ghana consumed 288,328,785 kilograms of LPG. Statistics show that the Northern region accounted for 4% of the total national consumption of LPG of which only 1% is attributed to the Upper East region. This shows there is more room for LPG usage in the Northern region and this will significantly protect our vegetative cover,” he added.
He stated that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has prioritised the issue of safety and job creation on their agenda, and this has culminated into the introduction and implementation of the Cylinder Re-circulation Model for LPG.
Mr Tampuli added that in order to fix challenges associated with safety and job creation, policy implementers are developing a market-driven structure that will guarantee both safety and job creation.
“Policy implementers are developing a market-driven structure to ensure safety and increase access of LPG to 50% by 2030.
“It is also to ensure the existence of robust and standard Health, Safety and Environmental practices in the production, marketing and consumption of LPG,” he said.
According to Mr Tampuli, there is an estimation of over 4,500 direct job creations under the new value chain and door-to-door delivery service. He stated, however, that this will not affect the current job of LPG Bulk Storage and Distribution Companies in the country.
He emphasised that there will be a full implementation of the CRM policy, stating that “the relevant licenses will be issued and safety protocols will be keenly observed to ensure the safety of the good people of Ghana, while increasing access to LPG for domestic, commercial and industrial use from the current 25% level to 50% by 2030.”
NPA said that things earmarked for implementation of the CRM include, Risk assessment of LPG facilities in 66 second cycle schools in the country, Compliance monitoring of all assessed LPG refilling outlets, second cycle school facilities and selected facilities (TOR, TFC, GNGC, Quantum terminal, and Tema Oil Jetty) in the value chain , Convert high risk stations into cylinder distribution/exchange points, Capacity building for NPA HSSE staff and industry groups on safety issues.
The others are a pilot phase implementation of CRM in Obuasi in the Ashanti region and Kade and Kwabibirem, all in the Eastern region, coordinate bulk purchase of cylinders by LPGMCs for the CRM, commence CRM implementation in the Greater Accra region and commence Cylinder Recall in Greater Accra region among others.
Mr Alhassan S. Tampuli assured Ghanaians that the CRM policy will not result in job losses but boost job creation in the various value chains.
“I wish to again assure you that this very policy will not result in job losses, as some are speculating. Rather, it will lead to enormous job creation across the various value chains,” he said.
Source: Ghana | Adom News | Illiasu Abdul Rauf Dabre