Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Peter Abum Sarkodie, has revealed that the SEL fuel station located behind the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) will not be shut down.
The filling station, which has been a source of safety concern for students as well as the school’s management over the years necessitated a protest march by the students earlier this week, demanding the immediate closure of the Station.
The action by the students, which has the backing of the UPSA management follows a gas explosion at the MANSCOÂ liquefied petroleum gas station located close to the school.
UPSA students fled the school premises in huge numbers following that explosion, triggering the protest two days after.
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A statement from the UPSA students’ body indicated that many students were injured in the gas explosion.Â
However, Mr Sarkodie speaking in an interview Thursday night, said after assessing the unpopular Sel Filling Station with regards to safety, he will “never recommend that the fuel station be shut down.â€
The EPA and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) on Thursday toured the site of Saturday's explosion and its immediate environs to get a first-hand knowledge of the aftermath of the incident.
Recounting his observation after the tour, the EPA boss said there was no cause for alarm.
“I realized that the station has state of the art safety appliance which for me can offset any fire explosions, so I will not recommend for its closure,†he stated.
At least 7 lives were lost and over 130 people got injured in the incident, according to official reports.
Also, properties worth millions were destroyed in the blast that rocked the capital last Saturday.
 Read also:   UPSA sitting on a time bomb- Students demonstrate
Gas explosion: Death toll likely to rise as some drivers are reportedly missing?
Don’t stampede gov’t into closing fuel stations – OMCs
www.primenewsghana.com/Â Ghana News