CSOs Urge Rapid Construction of Atuabo Gas Processing Plant Phase Two to Boost Ghana’s Energy Security

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana’s energy sector are calling on government to accelerate the construction of a second Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo, stressing that timely action is vital to sustaining electricity generation and strengthening national energy security.

The appeal follows a familiarisation tour of the existing Atuabo Gas Processing Plant in the Western Region by representatives of energy-focused CSOs, including Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).

Strategic Importance of Gas Processing

Mr. Amoah highlighted that during Ghana’s early crude oil production years, the country lacked sufficient gas processing infrastructure, relying heavily on imported gas from Nigeria via the West African Gas Pipeline.

“Supply disruptions, often linked to payment challenges, contributed to power outages,” he recalled.

With the Atuabo plant now operational, Ghana processes its own gas for thermal power plants, helping to stabilise electricity generation. Mr. Amoah described the facility as a “game changer”, noting that the planned second plant (GPP2) could:

• Enhance energy independence

• Support full domestic production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

• Reduce reliance on imports

• Increase feedstock for thermal electricity generation

COPEC has urged government to ensure the second plant is completed within 12–24 months.

Ghana Gas Stakeholder Engagement

The Ghana National Gas Company emphasised that stakeholder engagement is central to its 2025–2026 strategy. Kirk Richard Mensah, Head of Corporate Communications, stated that civil society groups were engaged in detailed discussions on operations and long-term strategy before visiting the Atuabo facility.

Key priority projects highlighted by Ghana Gas include:

• The second Gas Processing Plant (GPP2)

• The Takoradi–Tema interconnection pipeline

• A telecom compressor station

These engagements aim to build transparency and inform stakeholders about short- and medium-term plans.

Operational Readiness for Expansion

Albert Mensah-Tandoh, Operations Manager at Atuabo, noted that the foundation for expansion is already in place, with land, infrastructure, technical expertise, and operational experience readily available.

He emphasised that lessons from operating the first plant position the team to run both facilities in parallel efficiently using local expertise. The plant already contributes to:

• Reducing LPG shortages

• Producing condensates similar to petrol

• Supplying gas for thermal power plants

Broader Energy Impact

Energy analysts say that bringing Train Two on stream would:

• Reduce gas flaring

• Increase domestic LPG supply

• Improve feedstock availability for thermal plants, crucial for maintaining stable electricity supply

CSOs and industry stakeholders are therefore urging swift government action to unlock the full economic and energy potential of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant expansion.