On the evening of October 7th 2017, an explosion occurred at the Gas dispensing station at Atomic Junction near Madina. Seven persons were confirmed dead and more than a hundred sustained varying degrees of burnt injuries.
It has been reported by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) that in the last three years, the country has witnessed at least eight (8) explosions at gas filling stations while the content was being dislodged. However institutions or persons responsible for safety and regulatory measures in the petroleum industry have not been held accountable.
As expected, authorities rushed to the scene of the disaster the following day with promises to ensure that not only will the perpetrators be brought to book but polices will be put up to avoid such occurrences.
We at OneGhana feel very strongly that such disasters will be halted when actions and inactions are punished. We certainly cannot go on like this as a country! The attainment of Ghana’s potential will remain an illusion unless the culture and attitude of accountability is engrained in our governance and socio-cultural structures. It is important that the public official’s granting safety permits realise and understand that in the event of any manipulation of the permitting process which results in safety breaches, the responsible official should be held legally accountable. Likewise regulators to ensure all involved in the industry provide adequate training for staff and keep to health and safety regulations.
Laws should be enforced and people held accountable. We are demanding an immediate open investigation into the Atomic gas explosion for all citizens to have knowledge of its results and whoever is held responsible, government should take immediate action to punish accordingly. When the people are sanctioned, it will serve as a preventive measure to persons involved within the sector.
We at OneGhana pledge to continue with public sensitization to ensure that all citizenry are aware of their responsibilities of adhering to our laws as a country, to prevent such avoidable disasters in the future.
Honour the pledge!
OneGhana