The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, says the government is making major strides in transforming Ghana’s energy sector, describing recent developments as game-changing.
He made the remarks while briefing Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang during her working visit to the Ministry of Energy.
“If you look at what we are doing, the ministry is making very significant progress,” Dr. Jinapor said, pointing to landmark agreements in the oil and gas sector, renewed refinery operations, and far-reaching reforms in domestic LPG production and distribution.
The Vice President’s visit formed part of efforts to assess progress across key ministries as the government pushes its reset and green transition agenda.
Landmark Gas Agreements
A major highlight of the briefing was the signing of a $2 billion agreement with Jubilee Partners, which has already received Cabinet approval and been laid before Parliament. Dr. Jinapor described the deal as transformational for Ghana’s gas and oil sector.
“It will reduce our gas price from $3.1 to $2.5. It will increase gas consumption by another 70 mm, and it will also increase crude oil production. And so for me, this is a game changer.”
Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
The Minister explained that lower gas prices would reduce electricity generation costs, support industrial growth, and ease pressure on consumers, while increased gas availability would reduce reliance on more expensive liquid fuels.
Building on this momentum, the Ministry has also signed a separate $1.5 billion agreement with the Sankofa partners. Dr. Jinapor noted that the Sankofa deal is similarly structured to boost gas supply, lower prices, and enhance overall production levels, reinforcing Ghana’s energy security.
Revival of Local Refining Capacity
For the first time in several years, Ghana’s local refining capacity is showing signs of revival. Dr. Jinapor confirmed that the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has resumed crude oil processing, marking a significant milestone for the downstream sector.
“For so many years, for the first time, Tema Oil Refinery has started processing crude oil.
“If you check there in the night, you will see that fire flaring, which means that we’re making so much progress.”
Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
The Minister described TOR’s return to operations as critical to reducing fuel imports, saving foreign exchange, and strengthening national energy resilience.
He added that the refinery’s progress aligns with government’s broader strategy of combining local refining with stable gas supply to support the economy.
Clean Cooking and Ghana Cylinder Transformation
At the domestic level, Dr. Jinapor placed strong emphasis on clean cooking initiatives, particularly reforms at Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company.
“For me, it’s so critical, because cooking using wood fuels or charcoal is not the best. We need to be using our domestic LPG.”
Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
He revealed that Ghana Cylinder has undergone a dramatic turnaround. In 2024, the company refurbished only 6,500 cylinders. Following the appointment of new management and the setting of clear targets, refurbishment numbers surged to 57,000 by the end of 2025.
The Ministry, working with the National Petroleum Authority, has also secured funding to modernise the company. According to Dr. Jinapor, about $8.5 million has been mobilised to retool and revamp Ghana Cylinder into a modern manufacturing facility.
“Before the end of this year, we may invite you, Madam, to come and commission the newly refurbished cylinder plant, which will produce cylinders for domestic consumption.”
Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
Guaranteed Market and Long-Term Viability
To ensure the sustainability of Ghana Cylinder’s operations, the Ministry has facilitated an off-take agreement with GOIL, guaranteeing a ready market for locally manufactured cylinders.
“So as they produce the cylinders, they have a ready market, and then we can keep that company going. And so for me, it’s a real game changer.”
Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
The Minister noted that the combination of modernised production, assured demand, and policy support would accelerate LPG adoption, improve safety standards, and reduce environmental degradation caused by biomass fuel use.
Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang commended the Ministry for the progress made and assured the Minister and his team of continued political backing. She praised the clarity of planning, the focus on results, and the commitment to tackling long-standing sector challenges.
Dr. Jinapor, in turn, expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s leadership and guidance, expressing confidence that the reforms underway would deliver lasting benefits. “I’m sure that we’ll achieve much more progress given what we are doing,” he said.
As Ghana pursues a greener, more resilient energy future, the Ministry’s recent achievements signal renewed momentum in addressing structural bottlenecks, improving affordability, and aligning energy policy with sustainable development goals.
READ ALSO: India, EU Reach Free Trade Agreement
