The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has issued an urgent public safety advisory, warning motorists and residents to stay away from flooded fuel stations following heavy rains that affected several parts of the country.
The Authority said flooded petroleum facilities pose significant safety and environmental risks and urged the public not to drive through, enter, or gather around affected filling stations until they have been declared safe by the appropriate authorities.
According to the NPA, floodwaters around fuel stations may contain petroleum products and other hazardous contaminants capable of endangering public health and the environment.
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The regulator, in an urgent notice, appealed to the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid any direct contact with floodwaters surrounding fuel stations.
The NPA encouraged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any fuel leaks, strong petroleum odours, visible fuel sheens on floodwaters or other hazardous conditions.
Such incidents should be reported without delay to the Ghana National Fire Service, the nearest National Petroleum Authority office or other emergency response agencies.
The Authority stressed that early reporting of potential hazards will enable emergency responders to contain risks before they escalate into major incidents.
Meanwhile, the NPA has reiterated that operators of flooded fuel stations are required to suspend operations immediately after flooding, evacuate staff and customers, notify the relevant authorities and await official clearance before reopening.
It warned that no fuel station should resume operations until safety inspections have confirmed that underground tanks, fuel dispensing systems and electrical installations are safe for public use.
The Authority announced that compliance inspections are ongoing nationwide and cautioned that operators who disregard safety directives risk suspension, regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.
As part of its environmental protection measures, the NPA directed fuel station operators to prevent petroleum products and contaminated floodwater from entering drains, rivers, streams and other water bodies.
The Authority added that all suspected fuel spills or environmental contamination must be reported promptly to both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Petroleum Authority.
The NPA advised members of the public experiencing petroleum service challenges during the flooding to contact its toll-free customer service line 0800 123 000.
Emergency incidents relating to flooding can also be reported to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) by calling 112.
The Authority assured the public that it is working closely with emergency services and other regulatory institutions to ensure the safe restoration of petroleum services once floodwaters subside.