John Abdulai Jinapor expands cylinder recirculation model nationwide

Energy Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor has announced the nationwide expansion of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) to enhance household safety and increase access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The initiative, which was previously operating in select urban centers, is a cornerstone of the Mahama administration's strategy to modernise energy distribution. By scaling the model to all regions, the government aims to replace aging infrastructure and ensure that every household has access to professionally inspected and filled gas cylinders.

A primary catalyst for this expansion is the high rate of hazardous equipment currently in circulation; official data suggests that nearly 30% of existing LPG cylinders are defective. Under the CRM framework, consumers will no longer refill their own containers at gas stations. Instead, they will exchange empty cylinders for pre-filled, safety-checked ones at designated distribution points. This shift is designed to centralise safety monitoring and reduce the risk of domestic explosions and leakages that have historically plagued the sector.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is supporting the rollout by establishing regional offices and implementing new complaint procedures to strengthen consumer protection. Dr. Jinapor emphasised that the expansion will focus heavily on rural and low-income communities, supported by extensive public education campaigns. These efforts are intended to sensitise citizens on the safety benefits of the recirculation model and promote the adoption of clean cooking fuels in underserved areas.

While pushing for this nationwide transition, the government has committed to working with industry stakeholders to protect existing investments in refilling infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy noted that the transition will be handled in a way that respects the livelihoods of current operators while prioritising public safety. The successful implementation of the CRM is expected to significantly improve Ghana's energy safety standards and contribute to broader environmental goals by reducing reliance on wood fuels.