The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company Limited (Ghana Gas), Judith Adjobah Blay, has showcased Ghana’s growing investment potential in the natural gas sector to international investors and industry leaders at the ongoing Global Energy Show in Calgary, Canada.
Speaking at one of the world’s premier energy conferences, Ms. Blay highlighted Ghana Gas’ pivotal role in strengthening the country’s energy security, driving economic growth, and advancing regional energy integration. She outlined key strategic initiatives and investment opportunities that position Ghana as an emerging energy hub in West Africa and across the African market.
Ghana Gas’ Contribution to the National Economy
Ms. Blay noted that Ghana Gas operates the country’s primary midstream gas infrastructure and is responsible for the gathering, processing, and transmission of natural gas to power generation facilities and industrial demand centres.
According to her, Ghana Gas supplies approximately 84 percent of the fuel used by thermal power plants, which account for at least 60 percent of Ghana’s electricity generation mix. This contribution translates into an estimated annual fuel cost saving of about US$1.3 billion, alongside an additional US$60 million in savings from the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
She further explained that the Gas Processing Plant, constructed by SINOPEC in collaboration with Canada’s Thermo Design Engineering Ltd. (TDE), also produces condensate (naphtha), which serves as a blend stock for the production of premix fuel used by fishermen. This initiative, she said, has reduced premix fuel costs and government subsidy expenditures by more than 60 percent.
Strengthening Regional Gas Infrastructure
Addressing the importance of regional energy integration, Ms. Blay highlighted Ghana Gas’ strategic partnership with the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAGP).
Through an interconnection at Ghana’s gas supply hub in Takoradi, the partnership facilitates reverse gas flow to Tema, the country’s major industrial and thermal power generation centre.
She explained that the successful integration of Ghana Gas’ infrastructure with the West African Gas Pipeline in 2018 enabled bidirectional gas transmission, transforming Ghana from a terminal gas-importing destination into an active participant in the regional gas transmission market.
Beyond the WAGP interconnection, Ms. Blay disclosed that Ghana Gas is also a stakeholder in the proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, which is expected to connect Nigeria and Morocco with several African countries, including Ghana. Under the initiative, Ghana Gas is expected to provide pipeline interconnections and compression stations, creating significant investment opportunities while enhancing energy trade between Africa and Europe.
LNG as a Strategic Option for Future Supply Security
The Ghana Gas CEO emphasized that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) remains a critical component of the country’s long-term energy security strategy.
She stated that future LNG investments would be guided by commercial viability, affordability, and the need to maintain stable electricity tariffs for consumers. Ghana, she noted, has already invested in LNG regasification infrastructure and terminal facilities and is prepared to receive LNG imports when market conditions become economically favourable, particularly with regard to pricing and payment arrangements.
Expansion Projects and Investment Opportunities
Highlighting future growth plans, Ms. Blay announced that Ghana Gas is preparing for a major expansion phase and invited investors to participate in several strategic projects.
Key among these are the construction of a Second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II), the development of a 300-kilometre onshore gas transmission pipeline, and the Pentane Monetization Project.
She noted that while the existing Gas Processing Plant has successfully supported Ghana’s energy needs, growing demand necessitates additional processing capacity. The proposed onshore transmission pipeline is expected to connect major industrial zones and natural resource corridors, further strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure.
She further announced that, unlike most gas processing facilities where pentane is flared, Ghana Gas is working assiduously to eliminate the flaring of hydrocarbons naturally associated with gas processing. The company is investing in stabilization and conditioning technology to process these volatile hydrocarbons for safe commercial utilization. This initiative, she said, will be a game-changer and aligns with the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
Ms. Blay expressed confidence in Ghana’s attractiveness as an investment destination, citing the country’s strong legal framework, independent judiciary, competitive and deregulated market environment, and stable investment climate.
She stressed that Ghana’s strategic geographic location positions it to become a major transit and aggregation hub within the regional gas value chain. She also assured investors that Ghana’s longstanding respect for property rights and the absence of expropriation risks provide a secure environment for long-term investments.
Conclusion
Concluding her address, Ms. Blay reaffirmed Ghana Gas’ commitment to supporting Ghana’s energy security, industrial development, and regional energy transformation agenda.
She emphasized that through continued investments in transmission infrastructure, regional partnerships, and future LNG capabilities, Ghana Gas is positioning itself as both Ghana’s national energy champion and a strategic gas transmission hub for West Africa.
“Ghana Gas is committed to creating value for investors while advancing Ghana’s energy security and strengthening regional energy integration across West Africa,” she stated.
