The LPG Marketing Companies Association of Ghana has firmly denied accusations it is opposed to the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) being implemented by the NPA.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Association emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the NPA, which has resulted in a mutual agreement to allow both the Refilling and CRM systems to coexist.
“Our advertisements are solely aimed at promoting LPG usage to protect our environment and promote Indigenous businesses, not to oppose CRM.“
“There are clear differences between opposition and competition. Our requests to mount cages in all our LPG stations across the country to support the policy of distributing CRM cylinders were vehemently turned down by the NPA,” a statement by the Association said.
The clarification followed an accusation by Dr. Mustafa Hamid, CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), suggesting the association is supporting the new system.
The Association expressed its dismay at Dr. Hamid’s comments, stating, “We find it very ironic and disingenuous that the CEO would turn around and accuse us of being backwards-looking and not wanting change. We take very serious exception to that derogatory statement.”
Commenting on the significant financial investments in the industry, the Association noted that over $400 million, primarily financed by banks, has been invested by Indigenous companies over the past 25-30 years. They argued that these investments should not be compromised for the sake of change.
The statement also pointed out the employment provided by the sector, with approximately 10,000 Ghanaians employed, including 8,000 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs. The Association criticized the lack of transparency regarding job creation through the CRM.
“We are yet to be told the exact number of jobs that the CRM could potentially create. Simply claiming that CRM will generate ‘Aboboyaa’ jobs is insufficient, lacks transparency and authenticity, and can only have propaganda and populist value,” the LPG Marketing Companies Association said.
The Association called on Dr. Hamid to refrain from making inflammatory remarks that could incite public opposition against them. They stressed the importance of the NPA maintaining neutrality and fulfilling its regulatory role impartially.
“We strongly urge the CEO of NPA to desist from making inflammatory and derogatory remarks that undermine and incite the public against our association. The NPA must maintain neutrality and fulfil its role strictly as a regulator,” the statement concluded.
Read Statement Below:
