BY: KALD| Voltaonlinegh.com |
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has iterated the resolve of his outfit to eradicate the disturbing menace of fuel adulteration in the country.
He said the practice, do not only affect the quality of petroleum products, but also poses danger to vehicle engines and machinery, while depriving consumers of value for money.
“Fuel adulteration increases emission of harmful compounds such as Carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds and affects air quality and the environment,” he added.
Dr. Hamid was speaking at durbar in Ho, on Thursday, to climax the 2021 NPA Consumer Week Celebration on the theme “Adulterated Fuels, A Menace To The Consumer And The Economy.”
The celebration was aimed at sensitising the public on their rights and responsibilities as consumers of petroleum products and how best to assist the regulator to better serve their interest.
According to NPA Boss, the authority has instituted some stringent measures to check the negative practice in the sector.
These include, “the revision of operating procedures in the importation, exportation, and production of fuels by petroleum service providers (PSPs) and the introduction of Petroleum Product Marking Scheme (PPMS) and Bulk Road Vehicle (BRV) tracking system to ensure that products are devoid of adulteration and meet the required specification along the supply chain.”
In addition, a standby intelligence and security team has been set up to respond swiftly to consumer complaints regarding fuel adulteration and other unscrupulous conducts on the part of service providers.
Dr. Hamid thus entreated Consumers to give prompt alert to the regulator through its customer complaint platforms – via phone calls (0545006111/0545006112) or through their website (www.npa.gov.gh) within 48-hours upon encoutering such incidences, for the necessary sanctions to be taken against the culprits.
The Minister of Energy, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, in a speech read on his behalf, underscored the effect of the contaminated fuel menace on the national economy, saying, ‘
‘in no doubt, the effects of contaminated fuels deprive government of needed revenue to empower its people, promote good health and you the consumer seated here is cheated. You do not get value for the money you spent on a contaminated fuel.’
While throwing the ministry’s support behind the NPA to deal with the menace ruthlessly, the minister also urged the public to be vigilante and report persons engaged in the selling of fuel in gallons, since such a practice illegal.
Mr. Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, CEO, Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC) on his part said the group was in fully behind the regulator to eradicate the contaminated fuel menace from the industry.
He assured the Association would continue sensitise members against the practice and expose recalcitrant ones for sanctions.
He however advised the consumers also desist from buying cheaply priced fuel from table dealers, as they were likely to be adulterated product.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa in his address, said the health and environmental implications of adulterated fuels cannot be underestimated, and as such commended the NPA for bringing such a campaign to the region.
He however used the forum to invite stakeholders to the region’s fifth Trade and Investment Fair (Volta Fair-2021), scheduled for November 15 to 28, 2021 in Ho.
The event chaired by Togbe Gbogbi Atsa, Paramount chief of Adaklu, wwas graced by musician, Wendy Shay who entertained patrons with her craft.
There was also a fire drill at the event by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service to educate the public on the safest way to put out domestic fires.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
