Gov’t moves to ban gas cylinder imports to support local manufacturing — Jinapor
15th March 2026
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced that the government intends to eventually ban the importation of gas cylinders into Ghana as part of efforts to promote local manufacturing and strengthen the country’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industrSpeaking on the floor of Parliament of Ghana, the minister said companies operating in the LPG sector would be required to source cylinders and canisters locally once the policy is fully implemented.
Mr. Jinapor explained that the government is currently working with the National Petroleum Authority and the Ghana National Gas Company to revive the struggling Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited (GCMC), which plays a key role in the country’s LPG distribution chain.
According to him, the company requires about $8 million to complete its rehabilitation, but the government has already secured $6 million toward the project.
“I can confirm that so far estimates show that the company needs about $8 million to revamp it, but we have been able to mobilise about $6 million for them,” he told the House.
Mr. Jinapor made the remarks while contributing to a statement by the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Tano South, Charles Asiedu, who had raised concerns about the urgent need to revitalise the company.
The energy minister indicated that efforts to retool the factory are already producing results, noting that production levels in 2026 have doubled compared with 2024.
He added that the government is also providing off-taker agreements and establishing an escrow account to support the company’s operations.
As part of the government’s Cylinder Recirculation Model, Mr. Jinapor said directives have been issued for all old and obsolete cylinders to be recalled and refurbished by the company.
He also revealed that an agreement has been signed with Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) to serve as an off-taker for cylinders produced by GCMC.
“Let me assure this House that we are on course toward retooling Ghana Cylinder and transforming it into a modern factory fit for purpose,” he said.
Contributing to the debate, Mr. Asiedu proposed additional measures to accelerate the company’s recovery, including injecting targeted capital to modernise production lines, introduce advanced fabrication technologies and strengthen quality control systems.
He also recommended partnerships with private investors and LPG marketing companies to expand the company’s market reach.
According to him, government institutions should prioritise selling LPG products and accessories produced by the company as part of a national policy to support local industry.
Mr. Asiedu further suggested that the company could take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area by exporting LPG cylinders to neighbouring countries where demand for clean cooking solutions is rising.
Beyond industrial development, he emphasised the need for public education on the health and environmental benefits of LPG, noting that increased adoption would reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, protect forests, improve indoor air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
He cited a 2023 industry report by the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors indicating that LPG currently serves as the primary cooking fuel for about 40 percent of Ghanaians, with the country targeting 50 percent penetration by 2030.
Despite its strategic importance, Mr. Asiedu noted that GCMC has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. An Auditor-General’s report showed the company recorded a loss of GH¢4 million in 2021, and in 2023 it was taken over by the Ghana National Gas Company to help keep it operational.
He stressed that while the takeover was a positive step, a broader and more coordinated national recovery plan is required to fully restore the company’s operations.
Mr. Asiedu concluded that reviving the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company could strengthen local industry, create jobs, expand access to LPG and support Ghana’s climate goals, urging Parliament to back the initiative with urgency.