Tano South MP and member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Charles Asiedu, has called on the government to urgently revive the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited, describing the struggling state-owned firm as a potential driver of jobs and industrial growth.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Mr Asiedu said restoring the company’s operations could create thousands of jobs nationwide. He added that a revival would stimulate employment not only in manufacturing but also across distribution, retail, and installation services.
Mr Asiedu urged targeted government investment to modernise the company’s production lines and introduce new fabrication technologies.
The Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company reported a GH¢4 million loss in 2021. In 2023, Ghana Gas Company Limited acquired the firm to prevent its collapse.
While welcoming the takeover, Mr Asiedu stressed that it alone would not be enough to restore the company’s fortunes. He proposed additional measures, including joint ventures with private investors and procurement policies that prioritise locally manufactured cylinders.
The MP also called for stronger accountability systems within state-owned enterprises to improve efficiency and performance.
He further urged the government to leverage Ghana’s membership of the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand markets for the company’s products, noting that access to neighbouring markets could create new opportunities across export and logistics value chains.
“These measures will not only revive an important industrial asset, but also create jobs, boost local manufacturing, and help push Ghana towards its 2030 clean cooking goals,” he said.
Mr Asiedu called on Parliament, the executive, and private-sector stakeholders to work together urgently to revive the company and strengthen Ghana’s manufacturing sector.