Puma Energy Ghana has engaged women, food vendors, and hawkers to educate them on the safe handling and usage of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) at the Madina Lorry Park in Accra.

This is part of efforts to raise awareness of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) and the health and safety benefits of using LPG.

The event included the distribution of leaflets and a question-and-answer session with about 350 market women and some commercial drivers on the safety and benefits of LPG as an alternative to traditional cooking fuels.

Some food vendors in the market were identified and rewarded with cooking stoves, a gesture aimed at improving their businesses.

Others received gas lighters, aprons, T-shirts, and tablecloths as part of the exercise.

According to Bernard Ohene Amoah, the LPG Manager for Puma Energy Ghana, safety is a priority in Puma’s operations in Ghana, hence the need for such market engagement.

 “We are committed to safeguarding the safety of all our stakeholders that interact with our operations. We are also dedicated to supporting government efforts to increase the penetration of LPG as a cleaner cooking fuel to improve health and environmental outcomes for communities," he said.

Also, Deputy General Manager of the company, Steveria Kadangwe said the engagement seeks to equip consumers with right information to ensure a healthier environment.

"The markets are hives of activity. Crowded, bustling, busy, it is here that we can reach our communities, equipping them with the knowledge and skills on safety to help reduce risk and switch to cleaner cooking fuels," added.

 About 100 new cylinders were exchanged at Madina Lorry Park.

The market engagements are expected to continue at other major market centers across the country, with the next events planned for October and December, respectively.

The CRM, an LPG distribution system, is an initiative of the National Petroleum Authority and the Ministry of Energy. It allows empty LPG cylinders to be exchanged for filled ones at authorized distribution centers. Its aim is to make the transition from harmful cooking methods to LPG easier and more convenient.

The initiative is in line with the Ghanaian government's agenda to encourage the use of LPG to achieve a penetration target of 50% by 2030, ensure safety and accessibility, and improve energy efficiency.