Kumasi July 20, GNA – The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is to launch a national safety campaign as part of efforts to prevent accidents through liquefied petroleum gas explosion.
Mr. Alhassan Tampuli, the Chief Executive Officer, said vigorous and sustained public education was vital to address safety lapses and stop frequent accidents in the petroleum industry.
He was speaking at a day’s workshop held for journalists in Kumasi to court their support for the campaign.
This comes amid recent gas explosions that left people dead and others sustaining serious burns, which he said, was becoming far too many and could not continue.
Mr Tampuli indicated that gas was an elusive product and required delicate handling.
He added that there was the need for extreme caution in the handling and usage of the product at all levels of the supply chain.
He said the frequent accidents and associated fatalities, demanded stronger partnership with all key stakeholders, including the media towards a well-focused and aggressive education campaign on safety across the nation.
The NPA, had already engaged the Chief Executives of oil marketing companies (OMCs), tanker drivers, depot managers, transport unions and others, on safety measures at the service stations.
Mrs. Esther Anku, Chief Director, Inspection, Monitoring and Licensing, said the safety campaign had become necessary considering the far reaching consequences of accidents for both the industry and consumers.
As part of the campaign, a safety day celebration would be instituted and observed every year to raise public awareness.
She said a number of safety workshops and public sensitization outreach programmes would also be held for key stakeholders including pump attendants, and drivers.
Additionally, an award scheme would be instituted to recognize companies that observed high levels of safety.
Mrs. Anku encouraged the media to take centre stage in the drive to get the right things done.
GNA
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