The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has directed all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), fuel station operators, dealers and transporters to implement mandatory safety measures at fuel stations affected by flooding, warning that non-compliance could attract regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
The directive follows heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the country, which have raised concerns over the risk of fuel contamination, fires, explosions and environmental pollution.
In a public notice, the regulator instructed operators of flooded fuel stations to immediately suspend all fuel dispensing, loading and offloading activities where floodwaters have inundated the forecourt, tank areas or entered underground fuel storage facilities.
The NPA also directed operators to disconnect electrical power to pumps, fuel dispensers, canopy lighting and other forecourt equipment where it is safe to do so, while evacuating all staff, customers and vehicles from affected stations.
Operators have also been instructed to establish a safety exclusion zone of at least 100 metres around impacted facilities.
As part of the emergency measures, the Authority prohibited smoking, naked flames, welding and any activity capable of generating sparks within the exclusion zone.
It further directed operators to immediately notify the nearest NPA Regional Office, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their respective Oil Marketing Companies.
According to the NPA, fuel stations affected by flooding will not be permitted to resume operations until several safety requirements have been met.
These include the complete recession of floodwaters, a joint safety inspection by the NPA and the Ghana National Fire Service, and certification by qualified personnel that underground storage tanks, pipelines, fuel dispensers and associated equipment are safe for operation.
Operators must also ensure that any water-contaminated fuel or hazardous waste is safely removed and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
The Authority cautioned that the sale or distribution of contaminated petroleum products constitutes a breach of petroleum regulations and will attract severe sanctions.
Public urged to avoid flooded fuel stations
The NPA also issued a public advisory, urging motorists and residents to avoid entering, driving through or gathering around flooded fuel stations.
It warned against coming into contact with floodwater around affected facilities, noting that such water may contain petroleum products or other hazardous contaminants.
The Authority further encouraged members of the public to immediately report fuel leaks, unusual petroleum odours, visible fuel sheens on floodwater or any other unsafe conditions to the Ghana National Fire Service or the nearest NPA office, while complying with instructions from emergency responders.
