Ghana: NPA To Extend Risk Assessment To 66 SHSs With LPG Facilities

Hassan Tampuli(right), CEO of NPA, Simon Osei Mensah(4rd right) Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Ama Pomaa (2nd left),Board  Member of NPA, Nana  Adu Mensah Asare (3rd left) Amakomhene and Frances Awurabena Asiam(left) CEO of Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company

Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has hinted that it will stretch its risk assessment of LPG facilities in the West African nation to cover about sixty-six senior high schools.

The move, the regulator explained, form part of the ongoing process of implementing the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) policy which is aimed at providing direction for marketing and distribution of LPG in a safe and efficient manner, as well as facilitate an increase in access to LPG nationwide.

Chief Executive Officer of NPA, Hassan Tampuli gave the hint during a stakeholders’ engagement in the Ashanti Region, under the theme: ‘CRM: securing our safety, creating more job’.

The stakeholders’ engagement brought together several interest groups including queen mothers, LPG dealers, CEO of Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Madam Awurabena Frances Asiam, Vice President of LPG Marketers Association Gabriel Kumi, as well as the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah.

The CRM seeks to develop a market-driven structure to ensure safety, increased access and adoption of LPG, enhance the capacity of existing regulatory institutions in order to enforce the regulatory requirements of the new market structure, ensure the existence of robust and standard health, safety and environmental practices in the production, marketing and consumption of LPG, ensure the sustainability of supply and ensure local content and participation in the LPG sub-sector in compliance with the Downstream Local Content Policy.

“Among the things earmarked for implementation of the CRM include risk assessment of LPG facilities in 66 second-cycle schools in the country, compliance monitoring of all assessed LPG refilling outlets, second-cycle school facilities and selected facilities (TOR, TFC, GNGC, Quantum terminal and Tema Oil Jetty) in the value chain,” Mr Tampuli said.

Mr Tampuli added that his outfit would convert high risk stations into cylinder distribution/exchange points, build capacity for NPA HSSE staff and industry groups on safety issues and pilot phase implementation of CRM in Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region, and other selected regions.

Job Creation

According to the NPA boss, direct job creation is estimated to be over 4,500 in relation to new jobs under the actors of the new value chain and door-to-door delivery service.“This does not affect current jobs of LPG Bulk Transporters, LPG Bulk Distribution Companies and LPG Bulk Storage companies,” he said.

Mr Tampuli assured that Cylinder Recirculation model of LPG distribution would be implemented fully.

“The relevant licences will be issued and safety protocols will be keenly observed to ensure the safety of the good people of Ghana, while increasing access to LPG for domestic, commercial and industrial use from the current 25% level to 50% by 2030.”