Energy Ministry Distributes 700 Cooking Stoves to Jamestown Women in Clean Cooking Drive
The Ministry of Energy has distributed 700 cooking stoves to women in Jamestown as part of efforts to promote clean cooking practices and improve public health.
The initiative, part of the National LPG Promotion Programme and the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), aims to transition households from traditional cooking methods, such as firewood and charcoal, to safer, cleaner alternatives like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Government’s Commitment to Sustainable Energy
Speaking at the distribution event during the 2024 Women in Energy Outreach Programme, the Energy Minister, Herbert Krapa, underscored the government’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions.
“This initiative is designed to bring life to the programmes we are running at the ministry, including the Cylinder Recirculation Model and the LPG Promotion Programme. By distributing these cookstoves, we are bringing these solutions closer to the people,” he said.
He highlighted the health risks posed by prolonged firewood use, particularly for women and children, who are exposed to harmful smoke that increases the likelihood of respiratory illnesses.
“We are deeply concerned about the well-being of our mothers and women who spend hours cooking with firewood and charcoal. These stoves and cylinders are intended to reduce exposure to harmful smoke, improve respiratory health and protect our environment by reducing deforestation,” the minister added.
Ambitious Target for LPG Adoption
The Energy Ministry aims to have 50% of Ghanaians using LPG for cooking by 2030, a target Mr. Krapa described as ambitious but achievable through initiatives like this one.
Educational and Environmental Benefits
The programme also focused on educating participants about the CRM, which simplifies LPG use by enabling users to exchange empty cylinders for pre-filled ones at designated vending stations.
Chief Director of the Ministry, Wilhelmina Asamoah, emphasized the initiative’s broader benefits, stating:
“Clean cooking is not just about convenience; it touches on health, the environment and economic well-being. This distribution is just the beginning of our efforts to ensure cleaner and safer cooking for all.”
Looking Ahead
The ministry plans to replicate the initiative across other regions to ensure equitable access to sustainable energy solutions nationwide.
Held under the theme “Spark a Change, Not a Flame: Ignite a Greener, Healthier Looking Future”, the event also raised awareness about the environmental and health benefits of clean cooking while addressing deforestation concerns linked to traditional methods.
This effort reflects the government’s broader commitment to promoting green energy solutions, reducing health risks, and protecting the environment.
