The Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company has raised alarm over growing safety risks after revealing that nearly 30 percent of gas cylinders submitted for refurbishment under the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) are defective and unfit for use.
The disclosure has renewed concerns about household safety, with the company warning that continued use of faulty cylinders significantly increases the risk of gas leaks, fires, and explosions.
According to GCMC, the findings highlight a critical gap in the safe handling and maintenance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders across the country. Management cautioned that defective cylinders remain a major threat to lives and property, particularly in densely populated communities.
“These cylinders, when left in circulation, pose a real danger,” officials indicated, pointing to past incidents where faulty equipment has led to devastating fires and explosions.
Managing Director Abdul-Rahman Mankir stressed the need to expand the CRM nationwide to address the issue more effectively. He explained that the programme, currently operational in Accra, Kumasi, and Tema, has already demonstrated its potential to improve safety standards.
“Currently, it is being run in Accra, Kumasi, and Tema… if it is expanded to other regions, it is going to help a lot, especially in terms of keeping our cylinders safe.” - Mr. Mankir
Public Awareness Key to Success
Mr. Mankir also underscored the importance of public education, noting that awareness of the CRM remains low even in areas where it has been introduced. He revealed plans to partner with the National Petroleum Authority to roll out a nationwide sensitisation campaign.
“In some parts, even in Accra, some people don’t even know about the CRM… when we do full-scale public education, we are sure people are going to come on board.” - Mr. Mankir
The CRM is designed to ensure that cylinders are regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced when necessary. Under the system, consumers exchange empty cylinders for filled and certified ones at designated outlets rather than refilling them independently.
Authorities believe scaling up the model and improving awareness could significantly reduce safety risks and strengthen Ghana’s LPG distribution system.
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