Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, is encouraging the public to adopt the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) policy.

This move aims to enhance safety and expand LPG access to 50% of the population by 2030. He emphasizes that this policy will establish rigorous and standardized health, safety, and environmental practices across the entire spectrum of LPG production, marketing, and consumption.

“What we need to know is that the CRM is here to curb our fear of gas being filled close to our homes,” he said.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid made the call on Friday at the launch of the Consumer Week Celebration in Takoradi in the Western Region on the theme: “LPG: Clean Cooking, Healthy Lifestyle”.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) marks the Consumer Week Celebration annually as a part of the Global Consumer Service Week. This observance serves to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities and safe practices when using petroleum products.

The head of NPA emphasized that LPG is a cleaner-burning fuel that facilitates smoke-free indoor cooking and contributes to the reduction of outdoor and urban air pollution.

“LPG produces 50% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal, 20% less CO2 than heating oil and 10-12% less CO2 than petrol. Gas (LPG) has been accepted as the most dependable transition fuel, especially in our homes. It provides health, environmental, and economic benefits, especially to our households,” he said.

Regrettably, Dr. Abdul-Hamid pointed out that the adoption of LPG in the country is currently low, standing at approximately 37%, and it requires proactive promotion.

This means that a significant portion of the population still relies on traditional methods of cooking, such as charcoal or wood fuel, despite the numerous advantages of LPG over these alternatives.

“We also need to commence action on addressing alternative livelihood for families that depend on the charcoal business for their livelihood to curb the onslaught on the already depleting forest cover”, he said.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid emphasized that safety has been a top priority for President Nana Akufo-Addo's government, resulting in the introduction and implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM). He pointed out that accidents related to LPG in households often occur due to a lack of adherence to safety precautions regarding LPG usage.

He also highlighted the NPA's commitment to addressing these incidents, emphasizing the intensification of public education regarding the safe handling of LPG. The NPA Chief encouraged all stakeholders, including bulk storage haulage, retail, and domestic LPG handlers, to strictly adhere to LPG safety guidelines to minimize or potentially eliminate accidents.

In his address, Deputy Minister of Energy, Andrew Egypa Mercer, underlined the significance of the timing for the promotional and awareness campaign, given the ongoing discourse on climate change and its associated environmental and health impacts. He stressed the need for Ghana to take a leading role in discouraging activities that harm the environment and affirmed the Ministry of Energy's support for the NPA and other relevant institutions in environmental conservation efforts.

Western Regional Minister, Dr. Okyere Darko Mensah, urged the public to avoid complacency and ensure strict adherence to safety rules when dealing with LPG and other petroleum-related products.