News
96 die in gas accidents, 486 injured between 2007 and 2015
Ninety-Six people died in 19 accidents from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) refilling plants in the country between 2007 and 2015.
Over the period, 486 people also sustained serious injuries .
Investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed that the tragic incidents were as the result of the lack of proper training for operators along the supply chain (drivers, managers, supervisors and pump attendants) on the safe handling of LPG.
Mr William Hayford-Acquah, acting Director of Field Operations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), disclosed these while interacting with journalists on the second day of a three-day capacity building training for 136 workers in the LPG sector in the Volta Region, at Ho on Tuesday.
“The LPG plant operators received no formal training on the safe handling of LPG but were tasked with the responsibility of manning the plants,” he said.
The training, organised by the EPA was meant to introduce the participants to the safe handling of petroleum products to make them more efficient in responding to their regulatory requirements and equip them with pollution prevention and control methods and systems, among others.
The participants were taken through emerging issues and best practices in the LPG industry and the compliance with regulations of the sector.
Mr Hayford-Acquah said that the EPA had taken a firm stance to inject professionalism in the industry and make the operators more efficient.
In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Henry K. Kokofu, Executive Director of EPA, noted that the growth in the gas sector had come with public concerns over the proliferation of gas services outlets in residential areas.
He said that EPA in collaboration with other stakeholder institutions initiated the training and certification programme to avert LPG accidents in future.
He said that the demand for LPG in the country had increased tremendously over the past decades, adding that there were now 3,596 refilling LPG and fuel stations nationwide.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ho
News
Update Ghanaians on killers of Ahmed Suale within 48 hours- APlus tell Police
Member of Parliament for the people of Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, affectionately called APlus has given the Ghana Police Service a 48-hour ultimatum.
According to him, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director has within that period to brief the nation on the update of the killers of late investigative journalist, Ahmed Suale.
In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, he stated “Last year, I was invited to the CID headquarters to provide information regarding the murder of Ahmed Suale. During the meeting, I identified a high-profile minister from the previous government who was allegedly involved in contracting assailants to carry out the crime. I also disclosed my source, a highly credible one, in the presence of the CID director.”
He added “It is critical that the CID director updates the public on the progress of the investigation and indicate with justification whether additional time is required.”
Against this backdrop, he pointed out that “At this point, it appears the matter has been sidelined. If no update is provided within 48 hours, I will invoke my authority as a Member of Parliament to formally summon the Ghana Police Service to brief Parliament on this case.”
“Should that fail, I will utilize my Facebook and other social media platforms to update the nation on what I know about the matter which shall include the name of the alleged perpetrator.Thank you,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Ghana National Service takes bold steps to protect markets from fires
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), in line with its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, has issued new directives aimed at enhancing fire safety in the
country’s major markets.
The country, in recent times has experienced some market fires, a situation that prompted leaders to take swift steps.
Against this backdrop, the Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunuor, has instructed that “Personnel and fire appliances be deployed at various markets across the country from
1800 hours to 0600 hours daily to provide round-the-clock fire cover.”
“A dedicated task force will patrol the markets daily to ensure swift action in case of any fire outbreaks and to provide constant vigilance,” the directive added.
It added that the GNFS will establish fire units/posts in key markets across the country to intensify fire safety education, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.
“All GNFS personnel assigned to market protection duties will submit daily Situation Reports (SITREPS) to the National Heacquarters Operations (NHQ OPS INFO) platform
at 0900 hours for further review and action,” the directive added.
“The GNFS will work closely with market authorities, the Ghana Police Service and National Security to ensure effective surveillance, protection, and quick response to any fire-related incidents,” it concluded.
