CSOs call for second Atuabo Gas Plant to safeguard Ghana power supply

Energy sector experts warn that additional processing capacity is critical to preventing future outages and reducing LPG imports

Civil society organisations operating in Ghana’s energy sector have issued an urgent call for the swift construction of a second Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo, emphasising that expanding processing capacity is essential to maintaining power generation stability and averting future electricity outages.

The appeal follows an inspection tour of the existing facility by representatives from various energy sector CSOs, including Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).

Speaking after the tour, Amoah acknowledged that the current plant has been transformative for Ghana’s energy landscape but stressed that additional capacity is now necessary. He noted that completing a second processing train would substantially increase output and move the country closer to achieving full LPG self-sufficiency.

“Despite the significant progress made, Ghana continues to import liquefied petroleum gas from Europe to supplement domestic supply,” Amoah explained. “Expanding the plant’s capacity would enable us to meet our entire local demand and eliminate our reliance on imported gas.”

The CSOs credited the existing facility with helping stabilise electricity supply and reduce energy costs since its commissioning. Prior to the plant’s establishment, Ghana depended heavily on gas imports from Nigeria through the West African Gas Pipeline, with supply interruptions frequently triggering power outages. Domestic processing now ensures thermal power plants receive a more reliable fuel supply.

The organisations maintain that increasing gas processing capacity will deliver multiple benefits, including enhanced energy security, stabilised costs, and strengthened support for industrial growth. They argue that the expansion would position Ghana for long-term power reliability and sustained economic development.

The call comes as Ghana seeks to consolidate gains made in its power sector and reduce vulnerability to external supply shocks.