The Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) has made an urgent appeal to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for a strategic upward adjustment in gas transmission tariffs, citing the need to fund critical maintenance and future expansion projects.
The call was made during an inspection of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant on Friday, April 24, 2026, where the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas, Judith Adjobah Blay, cautioned that the financial sustainability of the country’s premier gas facility is under serious threat.
Addressing members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy, Ms Blay explained that the current tariff regime does not adequately reflect rising operational costs and the significant investments required to keep the plant running efficiently.
The Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, a key pillar of Ghana’s thermal power generation, processes lean gas for power enclaves such as Lekeadze and Aboadze. The facility requires continuous multi-million-dollar maintenance to prevent unplanned shutdowns.
“It is very necessary that we at Ghana Gas engage PURC to justify the expenditures and investments we are making, which warrant an increase, particularly in transmission tariffs,” she stated.
Ms Blay warned that maintaining the current tariff structure poses serious risks. While acknowledging that an increase may be unpopular, she stressed that it is a better alternative to a potential breakdown in the gas supply chain, which could trigger widespread power outages and disrupt industrial productivity.
She further emphasized that the long-term reliability of the national grid is closely tied to the financial strength of Ghana Gas, noting that without adequate funding, the company may struggle to meet its operational obligations.
“If Ghana Gas does not have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the plant, the consequences will be far more severe than a marginal increase in tariffs,” she added.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy’s visit formed part of efforts to assess the operational efficiency of the Atuabo facility and gain firsthand insight into the challenges facing the sector. Members were taken through the technical processes involved in gas processing and briefed on the strategic importance of the Western Corridor gas infrastructure.
The committee is expected to engage PURC and the Ministry of Energy in further discussions to evaluate the proposed tariff adjustments. Industry observers say the outcome could significantly shape Ghana’s energy security and independence in the years ahead.
