CSOs urge urgent second Atuabo gas plant to avert future power outages

Civil society organisations (CSOs) involved in Ghana’s energy sector are urging government to fast-track the construction of a second Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, warning that expanding capacity is crucial to sustaining power generation and preventing future outages.

The appeal followed a tour of the existing facility by CSO representatives, including Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).

According to Amoah, the current plant has been transformative for Ghana’s energy landscape, but additional capacity is needed. He noted that completing a second processing train could significantly increase output and move Ghana toward full LPG self-sufficiency.

He explained that the country still imports liquefied petroleum gas from Europe to supplement domestic supply, but expanding the plant’s capacity could enable Ghana to meet its entire local demand.

Amoah also credited the facility with helping stabilise electricity supply and lowering energy costs since its commissioning. In the past, he said, Ghana depended heavily on gas imports from Nigeria via the West African Gas Pipeline, and supply interruptions often triggered power outages. With domestic processing, thermal power plants now receive more reliable fuel supply.

The CSOs maintain that increasing gas processing capacity will enhance energy security, stabilise costs, and support industrial growth, positioning Ghana for long-term power reliability and economic expansion.