Government has placed an embargo on the construction of new gas and petrol stations across the country till further notice.
This directive is part of new regulatory measures to enforce safety in the handling of LPG and petroleum products in the wake of the Atomic Junction gas explosion.
In a statement signed by the Minister for Information, Mustapha Hamid, President Akufo-Addo, on advise of Cabinet, also directed the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model for liquified petroleum gas.
Under the model, LPG Bottling Plants will be sited away from congested commercial and population centers and cylinders will be procured, branded, maintained and filled to be distributed to consumers and households through retail outlets. The statement said the entire exercise must be completed in one year.
Cabinet, after meeting on Thursday, issued the directive which gives the National Petroleum Authority powers to apply punitive measures in ensuring safety in LPG handling and distribution.
The statement also directed that an inspection of all gas stations and vigorous enforcement of existing regulations by the NPA be carried out with immediate effect and demanded a review of the current licensing regime to ensure that only those with demonstrable capacity and competence engage in the LPG distribution business.
By: Kennedy Aryeetey Tetteh | thebftonline.com | Ghana
