Jubilee field gas can provide 70% of local need – Kofi Buah

Energy and Petroleum Minister Emmanuel Armah, Kofi Buah has said Ghana’s gas production from the jubilee field will have capacity to fuel our plants to generate about 500MW of electricity and produce LPG to satisfy about 70% of the country’s needs on final completion and testing, adding that it could result in about GH¢500 million of savings.

Speaking on Accra-based Radio Gold; the Energy Minister explained that Ghana Gas Company and the Volta River Authority (VRA) have both analyzed gas samples from the jubilee fields and accepted the quality, noting that final technical works are being done to transport to gas from Atuabo to VRA’s gas intake point.

On safety of communities and security of pipelines, the Hon Buah stated various collaborative efforts by Ghana Gas Company and communities along the pipeline from Atuabo through Takoradi to Aboadze including education and sensitization programs to ensure safety of lives, property and moves to also involve communities in patrolling of land along the pipelines.

He also said his Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Roads to build infrastructure for transporting LPG to various receiving points across the country to ensure it’s accessible to all Ghanaians.

The Minister who did not give a date for the commencement of commercial gas production said, “I know from the progress of work so far that it will take between two weeks to two months for final touches to be completed”.

Hon Armah-Kofi Buah further dismissed arguments that the project has delayed unduly and caused the country extra money, explaining that it was imperative for government to take its time and get every issue related to the gas infrastructure project sorted out to avoid last minute bottlenecks.

“The Atuabo Gas Infrastructure Project is a key project for the growth and stability of our economy which government didn’t want to take any aspect for granted, and I am happy the project has been successfully completed and Ghana will see its benefits soon”. The Energy Minister added.