The Management of Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited (GCMC) presented their 2025 work plan to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy in a session aimed at reviewing the progress and plans of energy sector agencies. The meeting, led by the Managing Director, Abdul-Rahman Mankir, highlighted the company’s performance over the years, the challenges it faces, and its strategic plans for the future.
In his presentation, Mr Mankir addressed several key challenges that have impacted GCMC’s operations, including the use of obsolete machinery, inadequate working capital, and the burden of taxes dating back to 2005.
He emphasized that these financial pressures, alongside the need to comply strictly with the Public Procurement Act and the Public Financial Management Act, have hindered the company’s competitiveness against private players in the commercial space.
Looking ahead, GCMC outlined ambitious plans for retooling its factory located on Spintex Road. This initiative is crucial for the company’s involvement in the government’s Cylinder Recirculation Model, as advocated by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
Mr Mankir stressed that the retooling would not only enhance GCMC’s capacity to supply cylinders for this project but also help reduce deforestation by ensuring a consistent supply of cylinders and cookstoves, like their innovative Gas Pot and other designs tailored for traditional Ghanaian dishes.
These advancements align with the government’s green transition agenda, which is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, contributing to the government’s 24-hour agenda initiative.
In response to the presentation, Members of the Committee on Energy expressed their commitment to supporting GCMC in realizing its goals for 2025. The committee recognized the importance of a robust energy sector and pledged to facilitate the necessary steps to help the company overcome its challenges and fulfill its plans.
GCMC is determined to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s Energy landscape, and with the support of the committee, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and other Stakeholders, GCMC hopes to emerge as a leader in the cylinder manufacturing industry while fostering sustainable development and job creation.
The Committee, led by the Chairman and MP for Ho West, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has also engaged with the officials of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation to understand their mandate and operations since its establishment.
The CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr. Tony Aubyn, indicated that the Corporation has embarked on a number of Engagements with key stakeholders to brief them on their mandate.
These include the chiefs and people of Jomoro, where the project is located. They have also held land validation meetings inter- Agency dialogue. they have also held investor engagements, all aimed at driving investors to the Hub.
They intend to hold an Investor forum and embark on a road show to sell the Hub to foreign investors, which will culminate in the establishment of strategic alliances and partnerships.
He added that they intend to operationalize the use of the hub and promote investor confidence.