New Gas processing plant will be a game-changer for Ghana – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has called the new Second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II) a game-changer. He believes it will transform Ghana’s energy landscape, create jobs, and save money.

Dr. Forson spoke at the inauguration of the GPP II Implementation Committee on May 12. He noted that Ghana relies too much on expensive liquid fuels for power. This reliance costs the nation over $1 billion each year.

He stated that without the Atuabo Gas Plant, Ghana would face serious issues. The new Gas Processing Plant could save nearly $500 million every two years. This savings could cover project costs quickly and create over 1,000 jobs.

The Finance Minister joined Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor to inaugurate the technical committee overseeing the project. Dr. Forson urged the committee to deliver a detailed plan in four weeks. He emphasized that delays in critical infrastructure are no longer acceptable.

Energy Minister Jinapor highlighted the urgent need for this project. He pointed out that little progress has been made since Atuabo's commissioning. Ghana's gas deficit forces reliance on costly imported fuels, straining public finances and energy security.

Once completed, GPP II will improve natural gas supply for power generation and industry. It aims to reduce dependence on liquid fuels and ease foreign exchange pressures. The project is also expected to position Ghana as a regional energy hub in the long term.

During the ceremony, two committees were inaugurated: a Technical Implementation Committee and a Communications and Social License Committee. The latter is chaired by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Hajia Shamima Muslim.

Industry analysts have welcomed this initiative. They believe successful delivery of GPP II could stabilize power costs and boost investor confidence in Ghana’s energy sector.