{
  "id": 10221331,
  "title": "Ghana risks EU gas market access over methane emissions – Expert warns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/ghana-risks-eu-gas-market-access-over-methane-emissions-expert-warns-10221331",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-27T12:59:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-risks-eu-gas-market-access-over-methane-emissions-expert-warns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana might face difficulties in accessing European gas export markets unless it enhances its efforts to control methane emissions and stops routine gas flaring, according to Dr Kwame Sarkodie, a petroleum engineering expert. Speaking at a workshop organized by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee, Dr Sarkodie highlighted the evolving methane regulations in international markets, specifically focusing on the European Union. He emphasized that these regulations are creating new demands for oil and gas-producing countries, potentially impacting Ghana's competitiveness if it does not bolster emissions monitoring and reduction. Dr Sarkodie stressed that eliminating routine gas flaring should be viewed as both an environmental and economic priority for Ghana. He warned that if Ghana fails to enforce zero routine flaring and reduce emissions, it may lose access to European markets and incur higher capital costs from international investors. The European Union is implementing stricter methane regulations, which include progressively stronger monitoring, reporting, and verification of methane emissions. From 2030, there will be methane-intensity requirements for certain import contracts. Dr Sarkodie pointed out that Ghana is currently losing significant economic value through gas flaring, estimating the value of lost energy at about $170 million annually. He noted that the Petroleum Commission aims to eliminate routine gas flaring from Ghana's oil fields by 2026. Dr Sarkodie reiterated that reducing routine flaring is not just about environmental concerns but is also crucial for Ghana's economic stability. He stressed that methane is gaining importance in global oil and gas markets due to its high global-warming potential and the stricter requirements set by major markets. Under the EU's emerging rules, international buyers will require credible measurement, reporting, and verification of methane intensity. Importers will need to demonstrate that their oil and gas sources adhere to methane monitoring, reporting, and verification standards equivalent to EU standards or international standards starting from January 2027. By August 2028, importers will be required to report methane intensity, with methane-intensity limits applying to selected contracts from August 2030. Dr Sarkodie urged Ghana to improve its emissions monitoring systems and ensure that operators adhere to measures to prevent routine flaring and methane leakage, warning that not adapting to the changing regulatory landscape could harm Ghana's investment appeal and competitive position in international energy markets.",
  "summary": "Ghana could risk access to European gas export markets if it does not strengthen measures to control methane emissions and eliminate routine gas flaring, Dr Kwame Sarkodie, a petroleum engineering expert, has cautioned.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Joy Business",
        "title": "Ghana risks EU gas market access over methane emissions – Expert warns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/ghana-risks-eu-gas-market-access-over-methane-emissions-expert-warns",
        "published": "2026-09-27T12:59:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}