The newly commissioned 430-kilometre natural gas pipeline in the Ashanti Region is poised to usher in a new era of industrialization, according to Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh. The pipeline, spearheaded by Genser Energy, is set to revolutionize Ghana’s power sector and provide affordable energy to support various regional industries.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, April 17, Dr. Prempeh expressed his appreciation for the groundwork laid by his predecessors in paving the way for job creation and industrial development in the middle belt of the country. He outlined the strategic plan to extend the pipeline to Nyinanyini, ensuring a sustainable energy source for bauxite and refineries in the region.
The pipeline route, which includes Nyinanyini, Kumasi, and back to Tema, will ensure a continuous supply of affordable energy to drive industrialization fueled by gas. Dr. Prempeh emphasized the critical role played by the private sector in expediting the pipeline’s construction to Kumasi, highlighting the importance of private capital in completing the project.
The Energy Minister also commended his colleagues at the Ministry of Energy, acknowledging the dedicated efforts of past Ministers John Peter Amewu and William Owuraku Aidoo in advancing the pipeline project before his tenure. Dr. Prempeh expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the inauguration of the gas pipeline, underscoring the significance of energy infrastructure in driving economic development and industrialization.
In his remarks, Dr. Prempeh noted, “When I became the Minister of Energy, the plan was well laid to extend the pipeline from Prestea to Nyinanyini to ensure that affordable energy is created for the bauxite and refineries in Nyinanyini. The plan included a pipeline from Nyinanyini through Kumasi, through Kyebi, and back to Tema to drive industrialization with cheap energy fueled by gas. I created the atmosphere for private sector capital to bring the pipeline to Kumasi faster, cheaper, and more efficiently.”
