Ghana risks losing access to European gas export markets if it fails to stop routine gas flaring and cut methane emissions, a petroleum engineering expert has warned.
Dr Kwame Sarkodie of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology said the European Union’s new methane regulations require stronger monitoring and control of gas emissions. Without changes, Ghana could lose competitiveness in these markets and face higher costs from investors.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Dr Sarkodie said gas flaring was costing Ghana millions each year. He cited a PIAC report showing that about 28.5 million units of gas, or roughly 10.4 per cent of raw gas produced, were flared in a single year. The estimated value of this lost energy was around $170 million.
“This gas could have been used to support industries or ease energy pressures,” he said. “If Ghana does not enforce zero routine flaring and eliminate emissions, we risk losing access to the European export markets and facing higher capital costs from international investors.”
The European Union’s methane rules will require importers from January 2027 to prove their gas comes from countries with methane monitoring and reporting standards that match EU or international levels. From August 2028, methane intensity must be reported. By August 2030, methane-intensity limits will apply to certain contracts.
Dr Sarkodie said Ghana’s Petroleum Commission has set a target to end routine gas flaring by 2026. He urged stronger emissions monitoring and compliance to prevent methane leaks and flaring.
“Methane is gaining attention because of its high global-warming potential,” he said. “Failure to adapt could affect not only environmental compliance but also Ghana’s ability to attract investment and compete globally.”
The warning comes as Ghana continues efforts to reduce flaring and improve methane measurement. The Petroleum Commission has emphasised its commitment to cutting routine flaring by 2026.
Dr Sarkodie framed ending routine flaring as both an environmental and economic priority. “It’s not just an environmental imperative; it’s an urgent economic necessity,” he said.
The stakes are clear. Ghana’s gas market could lose access to the EU if it does not meet these tightening methane standards. That would limit export opportunities and raise costs for the country’s oil and gas sector.
According to Joy Online.
