The Ministry of Energy (MoE) yesterday distributed 700 locally-manufactured cooking stoves to women at James Town to promote cleaner cooking practices, and reduce the health risks associated with the use of firewood and charcoal.
The move complements the government’s efforts to raise awareness of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) and the health and safety benefits of using LPG.
Speaking at the 2024 Community Outreach programme organised by the Ministry of Energy and Women in Energy, the Sector Minister, Herbert Krapa, said it was an efforts to roll out the CRM and increase access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for households across the country.
The theme for this year event is ‘Spark a change, not a flame; ignite a gender, healthier cooking future.’
The event featured health screenings and a demonstration by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on how to properly use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire.
“Through this initiative, we aim to reduce the use of harmful cooking fuels like firewood and charcoal, which pose serious health risks, especially to women and children who spend long hours cooking,” the Minister said.
Mr Krapa indicated that the government had set an ambitious target of having 50 per cent of the population using LPG for cooking by 2030.
“We plan to continue these efforts across the country, with four outreach programmes planned each year, reaching every region in Ghana,” he added.
Mr Krapa expressed hope that the outreach programme would serve as a “model for future campaigns,” contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for Ghanaians.
The Chief Director of MoE, Mrs Wilhelmina Asamoah, emphasised the role of women in driving sustainable energy practices, particularly in the adoption of clean cooking technologies.
She underscored the significance of clean cooking as a priority issue, noting its direct impact on health, the environment, and economic wellbeing.
She highlighted that the Outreach was an efforts to empower women in the energy sector and advance gender equality across the country.
“This will allow households to easily exchange empty gas cylinders for filled ones at designated vending stations. This system is designed to make LPG more affordable and accessible to a larger portion of the population,” she added.
On her part, the Ngleshie Adadentam Manye of James Town British Accra, Naa Ayele Wului, encouraged the women to adopt the CRM and promote cleaner cooking methods in order to combat the dangers of smoke inhalation from traditional cooking methods.
BY EMMANUELLA MBAMA AKIMBI
