Ghana could save $500m a year by switching from liquid fuels to gas – Energy Advisor

Ghana could potentially save nearly US$500 million annually by transitioning from using liquid fuels to natural gas for power generation, according to Ing. Dr Sulemana Yussif, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Energy and Green Transition on Petroleum. The country's reliance on more expensive liquid fuels for thermal power generation is a primary target for this transition.

Dr Sulemana emphasized that expanding the nation's gas-processing capacity is crucial to achieving these substantial savings. Speaking at a Ghana Institution of Engineering discussion on September 3, 2026, he highlighted the huge potential savings, stating that switching to gas would save close to half a billion dollars annually.

The proposed second gas processing plant (GPP2) and onshore natural gas pipeline are key components of this strategy. These projects aim to augment the country's capability to process and transport gas for power generation and industrial use. GPP2 would complement existing gas-processing infrastructure, such as the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, and provide additional processed gas for thermal power plants.

The Energy Ministry views GPP2 as a critical step towards enhancing domestic energy security, supporting industrial and power-sector development, and reducing reliance on costly liquid fuels. Dr Sulemana's estimate of nearly US$500 million in annual savings underscores the significant financial benefits of this project, especially given Ghana's priority to retain more foreign exchange within the economy.