Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The study examined LPG utilisation by conducting a comparative study
between two distinct study areas, namely Agona Nkwanta and Sekondi in the
Western Region of Ghana. It delved deeper into the stages of utilisation (i.e.
adoption and sustained usage), challenges affecting them and determining factors
to scale- up. The mixed method approach was employed with a descriptive
research design. Questionnaires were administered to 379 households using
simple random sampling and 6 people were interviewed as organisational
facilitators using the homogenous purposive and convenience sampling. The
quantitative data was then analysed with SPSS using the descriptive statistics and
independent t-test, whilst the thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data.
The study revealed low levels of LPG adoption and sustained usage amidst high
fuel stacking amongst the two study areas, with Sekondi having a much higher
level of sustained usage than Agona Nkwanta. The most pressing challenges
found in both study areas include: high cost of refilling gas cylinders, inadequate
gas filling stations, fear associated with gas usage, lack of funds for the initial
purchase of gas and its equipment, preference for biomass, and long distance of
gas filling stations. It was also revealed that regulators and LPG Marketing
Companies have a role to play in scaling up LPG utilization in terms of safety,
education, work ethics and monitoring. Per the findings, the study concluded that
the proposed Cylinder Recirculation Model will help provide solutions to most of
the pressing challenges with LPG usage. The study recommends it be set in motion and Organisational Facilitators sit up in their roles towards LPG usage.
