Don’t stampede gov’t into closing fuel stations – OMCs

The Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC), has appealed to the government to undertake a thorough examination of the Atomic Junction Gas explosion before it comes out with a national policy on fire outbreaks at the pumps.

The Atomic Junction gas explosion, which occurred on Saturday, claimed the lives of seven people, injuring over a hundred others.

Following the explosion, scores of students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), on Monday staged a demonstration on campus against the siting of a fuel station close to the school.

Similar protests have taken place in other areas in Accra. The government has indicated that it will come out with some decisions at cabinet, to deal address the situation, and prevent such fires in the future.

Speaking at a press conference today [Thursday], the CEO of the AOMC, Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, urged the government not to succumb to panic reactions from a section of the public, but come out with a holistic policy.

“The unparalleled marauding, demonstrations against some legitimate retail outlets and hitting the panic button “exemplified” by the wanton closure of retail outlets in a rambo style by some unrepentant MMDCEs in an industry regulatory by specific bodies, is unwarranted and must be condemned with all the attempt it deserves,” he said.

“This has innate results of culminating in chaos and anarchy in the society and inflaming passion among the citizenry thereby creating disaffection for OMCs/LPGMs,” he warned.

Mr Agyemang-Duah stated that OMCs/LPGMs are neither ‘monsters’ nor ‘criminals’, but are Ghanaians making a living by legally investing in the petroleum industry.

“Some marketers have their administrative offices within the confines of such outlets. Therefore, our intent to have a safe operation of our outlets cannot be in doubt,” he maintained.

Mr Agyemanag-Duah suggested that the situation rather calls for a sober deep-seated thought, through unbiased and unfettered investigations to unearth the root causes, and furnish the nation with sustained corrective and preventive actions, which will inform the public in a positive manner, whilst consolidating or improving the existing industry standards for public safety.

 

 

Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Ken Yeboah, addressing journalists on the swoop described the exercise as one of the biggest swoops in the region.

He said the command has commenced investigations and screening of the suspects, and those found culpable would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.
He indicated that, five (5) of the suspects who were found with substances suspected to be Indian hemp, have been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigations.
He added that, thirty-five (35) other female suspects also believed to be sex workers have been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit for further investigations.

COP Yeboah revealed that, he will inform the Nigerian High Commissioner about the activities of some of his nationals engaging in illicit activities in Ghana, when he visits the Command on Friday, 13th October, 2017.
He warned that police will not give heed to persons who would want to intercede for some of the suspects.
Breakdown of the hideouts of the suspects:
1. Ashanti Central Division – One hundred and two (102) suspects were arrested at Pampaso, PZ area, Ahodwo, Adam, Railways, Columbia and Kenyase-Abirem.
2. Asokwa Division – Eighty-six (86) were rounded up at Ashfo BB, Neoplan station and Sokoban Wood Village.
3. Manhyia Division – Twenty-six (26) suspects were picked up at Alaba, Tinker Island, Affordable Housing and Akwatia-Line.
4. Ejisu Division – Sixteen (16) suspects were rounded up at Besease, Ejisu Zongo, Abenase and Onwie.
5. Tafo-Pankrono Division- Nine (9) suspects were also rounded up at Pankrono, Ahwiaa and Moshie Zongo.
6. Suame Division – Six (6) suspects were rounded up at Kotoko.