Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has hailed the planned Second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II) as a transformative initiative that will significantly reduce Ghana’s dependence on expensive imported fuels, enhance energy security, and create thousands of jobs.
Speaking at the inauguration of the GPP II Implementation Committee at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition on Monday, Dr. Forson highlighted the economic strain caused by the country’s current reliance on costly liquid fuels for power generation, which he said costs the economy over $1 billion annually.
“The Atuabo Gas Plant has been a critical asset in sustaining our power sector. Without it, we would have faced severe challenges. Now, the GPP II presents us with a similar opportunity to secure our energy future and save the country nearly $500 million every two years,” he said.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the project would not only pay for itself in a short period but also generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
The Finance Minister joined John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, to inaugurate the technical committee responsible for overseeing the plant’s construction. The committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister for Energy, has been given a four-week deadline to deliver a comprehensive implementation plan, reflecting the urgency of the project.
“This is too important for our country’s welfare and economic stability. We must move beyond bureaucratic delays and get it done,” Dr. Forson urged.
Energy Minister Jinapor echoed these sentiments, pointing out that despite the critical role of the Atuabo Gas Plant, Ghana’s gas infrastructure has not kept pace with demand, leaving the country increasingly reliant on expensive imported fuels.
“Once completed, the GPP II will significantly enhance the supply of natural gas for power generation and industrial use, reducing the country’s reliance on costly liquid fuels and easing foreign exchange pressures,” Mr. Jinapor said.
He added that the new facility would position Ghana as a regional energy hub, improving energy reliability, cutting costs, and boosting investor confidence in the country’s energy sector.
The inauguration also included the formation of two key committees: the Technical Implementation Committee and the Communications and Social License Committee, the latter chaired by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Hajia Shamima Muslim.
Industry experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that a successful rollout of the GPP II will stabilize power costs, improve supply reliability, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive energy player in West Africa.
