Sahara Group commissions 40,000cbm Asharami Ghana LPG vessel to advance clean energy access in Ghana

 

Leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, has commissioned MT Asharami Ghana, a 40,000 cubic metre Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier in Ulsan, South Korea, strengthening Ghana’s clean energy supply chain while advancing the country’s clean cooking and energy access agenda.

The newly commissioned dual fuel vessel improves LPG supply reliability, reduces logistics constraints, and strengthens coordination across Ghana’s LPG distribution system, delivering greater efficiency and lower emissions across the value chain.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Ulsan, South Korea, President John Dramani Mahama described the vessel as “a significant milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the global LPG supply chain,” noting that expanded shipping capacity enhances supply security, reliability, and market efficiency.

He commended Sahara Group the owners, Hyundai the builders and all partners involved for their “leadership, technical expertise and strategic foresight,” adding that the project demonstrates “the power of partnership” in advancing safe, efficient, and responsible energy distribution.

President Mahama wished the MT Asharami Ghana safe sails, expressing confidence that the vessel would inspire further investment and collaboration across Africa’s energy value chain.

According to Wale Ajibade, Executive Director, Sahara Group, the vessel reflects Sahara’s long standing commitment to Ghana and Africa’s clean energy future.

“MT Asharami Ghana is more than a vessel; it is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen LPG supply security and support Ghana’s clean energy ambitions. It secures an additional 25,000mt stock security for the Ghana economy alongside the soon to be commissioned 6000-metric-tonne of 12,000-metric-tonne land storage in Tema,” he said.

He further reiterated that through integrated investments across shipping, storage and distribution, Sahara Group is building resilient energy systems that improve lives, protect the environment, and support sustainable economic growth.

Ajibade commended President Mahama, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for providing the policy direction and regulatory leadership that continue to strengthen Ghana’s downstream energy sector.

With the addition of Asharami Ghana, Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet now comprises six delivered vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 cubic metres. Supported by partnerships with WAGL Energy, NNPC Limited and other stakeholders, an additional 270,000 cubic metres of capacity is under construction and due for delivery by September 2028.

Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, said Asharami Ghana is part of Sahara’s integrated LPG infrastructure strategy spanning shipping, storage and downstream distribution globally, including the development of a 12,000 metric tonne LPG storage terminal in Tema.

He thanked Yaa Serwaa Alifo, MD of Asharami Ghana, for her resilience and insistence to dedicate a ship of this magnitude solely to the Ghana Market and its landlocked neighbours.

Ghana aims to increase LPG adoption from 30 per cent of households to 50 per cent by 2030. Sahara Group’s investments will help expand access for a population of more than 35 plus million people, while strengthening Ghana’s role in regional LPG supply to neighbours.

The commissioning comes in a year when Sahara Group marks its 30th anniversary, guided by the Sahara Beyond XXX milestone, underscoring the Group’s focus on building an enduring enterprise that delivers responsible growth, shared prosperity, and long term impact across its markets.