The Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC) has re-launched its products in Kumasi, after a two-year break in production. The company was established by government in 1998 to produce LPG cylinders and accessories for the local and export markets, as part of a national drive to curtail forest depletion and environmental degradation. The resuscitation of the company is critical to discourage patronage of second-hand gas cylinders, which have been cited for the recent spate of gas explosions across the country. As part of the product re-launch in Kumasi, officials educated the public on the use and proper handling of LPG cylinders. Chief Executive of GCMC, Elizabeth Yawa Morny emphasized the importance of precautionary measures in LPG use. “We are here to ensure that we produce the right quality of cylinders for the local market. There are a lot of them in town now but people should be very careful when buying gas cylinders… just to educate the public that cylinder can be friendly and also be dangerous if care is not taken, if it is not well handled”, she told Luv Biz Report. GCMC is determined to encourage the safe use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, in line with a national programme to ensure at least 50 percent of Ghanaian households use LPG by 2015. Production Manager of the company, Ezekiel Mensah entreats the public to be cautious in purchasing gas cylinders, by looking out for embossed specifications. These include name of manufacturer, date of manufacture, source, serial number, cylinder weight and gas it should contain as well as the water capacity. “It’s better for you to purchase a cylinder from a known source”, stated Mr. Mensah. “Make sure that you know the manufacturers – when there is a problem, you can locate the factory. Some of the cylinders on the market, you don’t have anything on them and such cylinders if you buy them, you’re putting your life in danger”.