The Ministry of Energy has reassured the public that all challenges delaying the full implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) are being thoroughly addressed with the active involvement of key stakeholders. The CRM, a transformative distribution system designed to enhance access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is set for effective rollout in 2025, according to the sector minister, Herbert Krapa.
The CRM introduces a modernized approach where consumers exchange empty LPG cylinders for filled ones at designated vending points. These empty cylinders are transported to bottling plants, refilled, and redistributed, ensuring efficiency and convenience in LPG consumption across the country.
Speaking during a media interview at the 2024 Women in Energy Outreach Programme, Mr. Krapa expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to revolutionize energy consumption in Ghana. He emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing LPG accessibility, setting an ambitious target of ensuring that 50 percent of Ghanaians adopt LPG as their primary energy source by 2030.
“The recirculation model is going well. We have had some initial concerns from stakeholders. We have broadened and deepened the stakeholder consultation. We expect that starting from next year, we will see a more aggressive rollout of the model,” he stated.
Mr. Krapa highlighted the urgency of reducing reliance on traditional fuels such as firewood, which poses significant health and environmental risks. By transitioning to LPG, the government aims to promote cleaner energy solutions, improve public health, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
The Energy Ministry acknowledges the initial challenges encountered in implementing the CRM, including logistical hurdles and resistance from some stakeholders. However, through intensified consultations and collaboration, these issues are being systematically resolved to pave the way for a seamless rollout.
The sector minister called on stakeholders, including private sector players, civil society organizations, and consumers, to support the initiative and contribute to its success. “2030, we should have 50 percent of the Ghanaian people using cylinders as a source of cooking rather than firewood. And it is an ambitious programme, but we believe that we have the capacity to roll it out, and we call on all stakeholders to give us the needed support,” he remarked.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of achieving energy security and sustainability while ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition to cleaner energy sources. The CRM is expected to significantly reduce the risks associated with LPG handling, such as unsafe refilling practices and cylinder maintenance issues, by centralizing these processes at bottling plants.
As the government intensifies efforts to operationalize the CRM, it is also focusing on raising public awareness about the benefits of LPG and addressing misconceptions that may hinder adoption. The ministry believes that educating the public on the cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental advantages of LPG will play a crucial role in achieving the 2030 target.
The success of the CRM will also depend on the availability of infrastructure, including bottling plants and vending points, across the country. The ministry has assured that significant investments are being made to expand infrastructure and ensure that even the most remote areas have access to LPG.
Mr. Krapa’s remarks at the Women in Energy Outreach Programme underscore the ministry’s commitment to empowering women as key drivers of change in the energy sector. By prioritizing women’s involvement in the CRM and other energy initiatives, the government aims to address gender disparities and create opportunities for women in energy-related entrepreneurship and employment.
The ambitious rollout of the CRM is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to achieving its sustainable development goals, particularly those related to affordable and clean energy. The initiative not only seeks to transform energy consumption patterns but also aims to position Ghana as a leader in energy innovation within the region.
As the countdown to 2025 begins, the Ministry of Energy is determined to deliver on its promise of a robust and efficient CRM that will benefit millions of Ghanaians. With stakeholder collaboration, public support, and sustained government commitment, the CRM is poised to become a game-changer in Ghana’s energy landscape, bringing the country closer to a future powered by clean and sustainable energy solutions.
