The Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) has achieved ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications, affirming its dedication to environmental sustainability and occupational health and safety standards.
The achievement positions Ghana Gas as a leader in responsible and sustainable business operations within the energy sector.
The ISO 14001 certification is a globally recognized standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), ensuring that Ghana Gas integrates environmentally sustainable practices into its operations.
The ISO 45001 certification, on the other hand, demonstrates the Company's adherence to the highest standards in Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management.
Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) is the country's premier natural gas transmission utility, committed to delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions.
The company plays a key role in supporting Ghana's industrialization agenda while upholding the highest environmental and safety standards.
Dr. Robert Kofi Lartey, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), speaking at the announcement ceremony, expressed excitement at the company's accomplishment and acknowledged the dedication of staff, leadership of past and present management in achieving this milestone.
"These certifications underscore our unwavering commitment to conducting business responsibly while safeguarding the well-being of our employees and minimizing our environmental impact," he said.
The CEO stated that, "this achievement would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our workforce, the relentless dedication of the HSE Operations Department, ISO Project Team and Management."
The ISO certification journey for Ghana Gas began on 12th November 2019, but faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the challenges, the company achieved ISO 45001 certification on 1st April 2022 and subsequently expanded the scope to include ISO 14001 certification in early 2024.
Dr. Lartey reiterated Ghana Gas commitment to continuous improvement, and said the company would build upon the strong foundation to deliver consistent value to Ghana's energy sector while supporting national policies, including the President's 24-Hour Economy initiative.
As part of its ongoing drive for excellence, he announced that Ghana Gas was set to embark on a new certification process for ISO 9001, a globally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS).
This initiative will be launched on the theme: "A Future of Excellence: Triple ISO Certification - Our Commitment to Quality, Environment. and Safety."
Ghana Gas, the CEO stated, remained dedicated to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and employee well-being.
The company continues to lead the industry by implementing best practices that ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency in the energy sector, the Acting CEO said.
Mrs. Ingrid Keelson, Acting CEO of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), who presented the ISO certificates to Ghana Gas in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Energy, commended Ghana Gas for its commitment to excellence, quality, and continual improvement.
She emphasized that achieving ISO certification was a testament to the company's leadership in the industry and its ability to meet and exceed the expectations of customers, partners, and stakeholders.
"This certification not only highlights Ghana Gas's dedication to maintaining the highest standards but also assures stakeholders that the company is managing its environmental responsibilities systematically, contributing to sustainability."
"Additionally, their ISO 45001:2018 certification reinforces their commitment to reducing occupational injuries and diseases while promoting both physical and mental health," she stated.
Mrs. Keelson also outlined DNV's role in supporting organizations through innovative solutions and ISO training programmes, and acknowledged the staff for their instrumental roles in achieving this milestone.
"We are honoured to have partnered with Ghana Gas on this journey, and their success reflects the collaborative spirit and shared values that define our relationship. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting them as they reach even greater heights," she added.
Mr Jaasu Yahaya, ISO Project Team Lead, highlighting the rigorous process that led to the achievement of the dual certification, noted that Ghana Gas's journey began on November 12, 2019, with an initial focus on ISO 45001 certification for occupational health and safety.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused unexpected delays, but the company remained committed, eventually securing its first ISO 45001 certification on April 1, 2022.
Building on that foundation, Ghana Gas expanded its scope in 2024 to include ISO 14001 for environmental management.
Mr Yahaya emphasized that the journey was demanding, involving five independent ISO audits conducted by DNV and four annual internal audits, alongside numerous process improvements and corrective actions across all departments.
"This achievement is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our entire team. It would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our acting CEO, executive management, heads of departments, functional managers, and every single employee who played a role in implementing sustainable practices and maintaining a safe work environment," he said.