The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has announced a nationwide enforcement exercise targeting fuel stations that resume operations without obtaining mandatory safety clearance following recent flooding.
The directive forms part of heightened safety measures introduced after heavy rains submerged several fuel stations across parts of the country, raising concerns about public safety and environmental contamination.
In a public notice, the NPA stressed that any fuel station affected by flooding must immediately suspend operations, evacuate the premises, notify the appropriate authorities and only reopen after receiving official clearance from regulators.
Also read:Â Paraguay declares national holiday after team shock Germany at World Cup
The Authority warned that operators who disregard the directive will face severe sanctions, including the suspension of operations, regulatory penalties and possible prosecution.
Nationwide inspections
The NPA disclosed that compliance inspections will be conducted at flooded fuel stations across the country to verify that operators have met all safety requirements before resuming business.
According to the Authority, the inspections are intended to protect lives, property and the environment by ensuring that fuel dispensing equipment, underground storage tanks and electrical installations remain safe after floodwaters recede.
Officials say no affected fuel station should reopen until inspectors have confirmed that it is safe for public use.
Public vigilance
The Authority also appealed to motorists and residents to avoid patronising flooded fuel stations that have not received official approval to resume operations.
It advised the public to immediately report fuel leaks, strong petroleum odours, visible fuel sheens on floodwaters or any other unsafe conditions to the Ghana National Fire Service, the nearest NPA office or other emergency response agencies.
The NPA further warned that floodwaters around fuel stations may contain petroleum products and hazardous substances that pose serious health and environmental risks.
Environmental protection
The regulator directed all fuel station operators to prevent contaminated water and petroleum products from entering drains, streams, rivers and other water bodies.
Any suspected fuel spill or environmental contamination, it said, must be reported without delay to both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Petroleum Authority.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety regulations and urged operators to comply fully with established procedures before reopening their facilities.
Members of the public experiencing petroleum service disruptions during the flooding have been advised to contact the NPA’s toll-free line 0800 123 000, while emergency incidents can be reported to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) by dialling 112.