The Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC) has raised an alarm over the safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in circulation, revealing that a significant number submitted for refurbishment under the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) are no longer fit for use.
According to the company, over 30% of cylinders inspected under the programme were found to be defective, highlighting growing concerns about household safety across the country.
Management warned that the continued use of such faulty cylinders poses a serious threat to lives and property, as damaged cylinders increase the risk of gas leaks, fires, and explosions.
Speaking to the media, the Managing Director of GCMC, Abdul-Rahman Mankir, stressed the urgent need to scale up the Cylinder Recirculation Model nationwide.
He explained that although the initiative is currently operational in major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Tema, expanding it to other regions would significantly improve public safety.
“If the model is expanded to other regions, it is going to help a lot, especially in keeping our cylinders safe,” he said.
Mr. Mankir also disclosed plans for intensified public education in collaboration with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), aimed at increasing awareness and adoption of the CRM.
He noted that despite the programme’s presence in urban areas, many residents remain unaware of how it works.
“In some areas, even in Accra, people are not aware of the CRM. With full-scale public education, we expect more people to come on board,” he added.
The Cylinder Recirculation Model, spearheaded by the NPA, is designed to improve safety standards in LPG usage by ensuring that cylinders are regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced when necessary.
Under the system, consumers exchange empty cylinders for filled, certified ones at designated distribution points, instead of refilling their own cylinders at fuel stations—a practice authorities say increases safety risks.
GCMC believes that expanding the CRM and improving public awareness will play a critical role in reducing accidents and enhancing safe LPG usage nationwide.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
