The Petroleum Minister has entreated Ghanaians to delink the ongoing Rural LPG Promotion Programme (RLPGPP) from politics.

Speaking at the launch of the programme at Busunya in the Brong Ahafo region, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah said Government is aiming at reducing deforestation and providing cleaner, healthier and safer form of cooking fuel.

 “Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has put in place measures to increase access to LPG from 3% in 2012, to 50% by 2020” he said.

About 13,700 deaths occur every year as a result of smoke related illnesses in Ghana. It is estimated that in 2010, Household Air Pollution (HAP) from solid fuels was the third leading risk factor for global disease burden.

Approximately 13 million tons of firewood is burnt annually in Ghana. These have various effects on both human life and the environment.

With Atebubu-Amantin, Nkoranza North, Nkoranza South and Pru  as  beneficiary districts of the programme,  2000 LPG cylinders, cook stoves and related accessories each making a total of 8000 were distributed.

A similar distribution exercise was carried out by the Ministry of Petroleum in the three Northern Regions, Central, Western and Brong Ahafo Regions last year and early this year. So far, government has distributed approximately 49,000 cylinders in these Regions.

Mr. Buah stated that “A massive distribution exercise will be carried out next year by government to enable most rural dwellers switch to LPG”.

The Minister advocated for the safe use of LPG.

“As Government is increasing domestic LPG supply, making LPG accessible to Ghanaians and, creating wealth and employment opportunities for Ghanaians, there is the need to advocate for the safe use of LPG in our homes and at all refill outlets,” he said.

According to a beneficiary, it is understandable for government to “provide us with cleaner, healthier and safer form of cooking fuel and on behalf of the people of Nkoranza.”

Mr. Buah said “the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, aside from delivering over 100mmscf of lean gas a day for thermal plants at Aboadze for power generation, is also producing 500 tons of LPG a day for the domestic market.”