COPEC criticizes NPA over Krofrom Gas explosion

Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has stated that, the latest Gas explosion at Krofrom in Kumasi in the Ashanti region has exposed how the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has failed to implement the recommendations by the committee that looked into the Atomic gas explosion incident.

Scores of persons sustained severe bodily burns in the Trinity Gas Stations in Krokrom on Tuesday, 20 November 2018 when the gas filling station exploded.

Several cars in and around the station were also burnt including the station, following the inferno, that also spread to a nearby car fitting shop.

The incident comes 13 months after the atomic Gas explosion that prompted calls for strong enforcement of laws on siting fuel station away from residential areas.

Speaking to Class News, Mr Amoah said the recent incident exposes flaws in the NPA’s work.

He said: “If the NPA doesn’t assess exactly how some of these outlets operate, exactly what condition they operate under, they will continue to endanger lives, they will continue to endanger society and the country as a whole.

“In fact, we are still at a loss, since the last incident, the Atomic incident, investigations were conducted, committees were set up, a lot was done but as we speak, those reports are still being kept under lock and key. What ever recommendations that were made, whatever disciplinary measures that should have been put in place, you and I are unable to tell whether we are even enforcing same to ensure that misses, near misses, accidents and fatalities are brought to the barest minimum”.