The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has demanded that the public adopts strict safety measures when transporting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, warning that negligence could trigger leaks, fires, or explosions.
According to the Authority, LPG cylinders must always be transported in a secure, upright position to prevent over-pressurisation and potential damage to the pressure relief valve. Such damage, officials noted, could lead to dangerous gas leaks.
“Consumers of petroleum products, especially LPG, must prioritise safety. Ignoring basic precautions could result in fire outbreaks, injuries, loss of lives, and property damage,” said Mrs. Eunice Budu-Nyarko, Head of Consumer Services at the NPA, during an LPG safety awareness campaign held at tertiary institutions in the Upper West Region.
Responding to student concerns about fuel dispensing errors, Mrs. Budu-Nyarko also urged motorists to always confirm the type of fuel being pumped at stations.
She reminded consumers of the colour-coded nozzles used in Ghana: red for petrol (Super), black for diesel, and green for high-octane (RON 95).
Mr. Abraham Dauda, NPA’s Upper West Regional Supervisor for Inspections and Monitoring, cautioned students against using mobile phones while cooking with LPG and advised strict compliance with household safety protocols.
The campaign also highlighted regional perspectives on safety regulation. Prof. Hamidatu Saaka Darimani, Vice-Chancellor of Dr Hilla Liman Technical University, recommended that Ghana adopt Burkina Faso’s cylinder distribution model, where LPG cylinders are purchased exclusively from licensed outlets.
She argued that such a system would reduce risks associated with substandard or repainted cylinders.
“Safety goes beyond fire prevention. It requires a clear understanding of the risks created by negligence,” Prof. Darimani added, commending the NPA for its awareness drive.
The NPA stressed that consumer education remains central to its regulatory role, assuring the public that campaigns of this nature will be expanded across all regions to enhance safety in homes and workplaces.
