Ashaiman New Town residents oppose citing of fuel station
Tension is mounting in Ashaiman New Town between some residents in the township and a businessman over the siting of a proposed fuel service station.
According to some members of the community, the project which is located opposite a Church of Pentecost Mission House and a Seventh Day Adventist Church was also closer to a bakery and an Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) transformer and poses a threat to public safety.
This has culminated in a decision by the regulator, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put the project on hold until an amicable solution was found.
Speaking to The Spectator on Wednesday, the residents expressed varied opinions on why the project must not be sited in the area as it poses significant threat to life and property.
Ms Leticia Gbeve, who spoke on their behalf said the residents were not consulted to know whether they were in agreement or not before permit was issued to the owner of the property.
She said the facility was too close to their residences and that was their major worry because they fear in the event of an accident, the consequences would be disastrous.
Ms Gbeve said the residents were not against any developmental project in the area but would prefer something that would not threaten lives and properties, adding that “we want for instance a mall, hotel, hospital or apartments.”
She said, it was important that the relevant institutions, especially the EPA made time to address their concerns thoroughly for an amicable resolution that would guarantee their safety and protect the environment.
Responding, the businessman, Mr David Azupio disclosed that the relevant institutions had inspected the landing and carried out various assessment on his invitation before permit was granted for the project to be constructed.
He said the institutions were still closely monitoring all activities at the project site to ensure he was complying with the directives.
According to him, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the EPA, the Ashaiman Traditional Council (ATC), and others with oversight responsibility over the construction of such a facility had done their part so far to ensure compliance with standards.
Mr Azupio assured that he would ensure that all safety standards were adhered to, in order to safeguard the security of the residents and his staff.
“We have been advised to consider safety measures to mitigate any kind of unforeseen issues. They instructed us to among other things raise the walls of the project higher as well as go every length to ensure that the community continued to be a safe place to live,” he said.
Meanwhile, a stakeholder meeting has been held by the EPA following a petition received from the residents to the Agency.
It was to provide the owner of the fuel service station and the citizens an opportunity to engage and also for the former to present the details of the project, its environmental impact and safety measures to be implemented to the community and also for a discussion on the facility under construction.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Ashaiman
Sports
MTN FA Cup thrills: Hearts to slug it out with Immigration FC at Pobiman
Record holders of the MTN FA Cup, Accra Hearts of Oak, will tomorrow begin their journey to another conquest when they welcome Division One League (DOL) side, Immigration FC, to the Pobiman Sports Complex for the round of 64 clash.
The Phobians will be going into the game with memories of that painful loss to Nania FC from the same division last season.
With many focusing their attention on their “El-Clasico” game against bitter rivals, Asante Kotoko, on December 15 in Kumasi, chieftains at the club would be hoping Coach Aboubakar Ouattara and his charges would guard against complacency in this game.
Immigration FC have proven to be tough customers in their away matches, having already trekked to the Ho Sports Stadium to blow away home side, Dynamo FC, at the preliminary stage game.
What remains to be seen is whether they can replicate that fine form against the record holders.
Defending champions, Nsoatreman FC, will look to start their journey to retain the title when they welcome Division One League side, Techiman Heroes, to the Nana Amoah Kronmansah II Park in Nsoatre tomorrow, while Asante Kotoko line up against lower side, Future Stars, at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.
In other games today, the WAFA Park in Sogakope will host the clash between Agbozome Weavers and Accra Lions, African Talent will stay put at the Blue Sky Pelican Park in Doboro to host Kotoku Shining Stars, while Northern City take on Wa Sore Nante at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale.
Wa Power FC will welcome Tamale City to the Malik Jabir Stadium, King Faisal will host Asokwa Deportivo at the Ejisu Okese Park, Nations FC will visit the Len Clay Stadium to play as guest of New Edubiase at the WESCO Park in Kumasi, Acceleere82 will face Sefwi All Stars, Malima FC and TF Exponential FC will sort things out at the Tumu Astro Turf with the Bekwai Gyamfi Park hosting the clash between Bekwai Heroes and PAC Academy.
The rest of the matches will see Real 24Hours play Karela United, Berekum Chelsea host Boresa FC, Debibi United take on KAC Soccer Academy, Aduana Stars host Dormaa Unity, Techiman Liberty host Bofoakwa Tano, while Young Apostles come up against Techiman Eleven Wonders.
Sky FC will face Wise, Nzema Kotoko will face Medeama SC, Nsuopon Fidelity come face to face with Elmina Sharks, Ebusua Dwarfs slug it out with Soccer Intellectual while Baseke Holy Stars engage Gap Soccer Academy.
Also, Samartex FC will engage Bibiani Gold Stars, Dreams FC against Heart of Lions, WAFA go face to face with Golden Kicks, Na God FC oblige Nania FC, True Democracy against Koforidua Sempi FI, while Danbort FC play Vision FC.
By Raymond Ackumey
News
University of Ghana opens maiden ‘Artify’ visual arts exhibition
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation, has launched a week-long visual arts exhibition titled ‘Artify’ on the University’s campus.
Running from November 26 to December 2, the event showcases drawings and paintings by eight visual artists selected by the University.
The artists participated in a two-week skills and business orientation training before the exhibition, where they were coached on art practice fundamentals, copyright and intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management.
The training was to help the artists upscale their craft and expand their client reach, equipping them to become more business-oriented art professionals.
The Artify project, under the theme Amplifying Art as a Business, was conceived by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID).
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, said they aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he said.
Prof. Asante said that the skills required to run an art business were often overlooked, as art was commonly perceived as a hobby that doesn’t necessitate specialised management skills.
He argued that by integrating business and project management skills into the art ecosystem in Ghana, more organisations and investors could be encouraged to support creatives.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, called on authorities to create more platforms, similar to the Artify exhibition, where artists could showcase their work.
She advocated the establishment of visual arts spaces in communities, where local talents could receive training and be nurtured in their craft.
Mr Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participating artists, praised the University and its partners for the initiative.
He noted that his knowledge and skills had been greatly enriched, better preparing him for the job market. –GNA
