Hot SourceThe National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has intensified its nationwide Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) safety campaign with a vigorous outreach programme in Sunyani, targeting students, healthcare trainees and market traders.
The initiative seeks to raise public awareness of LPG as a cleaner and more efficient alternative to firewood and charcoal, while equipping users with essential safety practices to prevent accidents.
As part of the campaign, officials engaged the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani Technical University, and the College of Nursing and Midwifery, delivering practical demonstrations and hard-hitting safety advice.
Ing. Johnson Gbagbo Jnr, Supervisor for Gas at the NPA, cautioned against the widespread but dangerous practice of repainting or respraying corroded LPG cylinders.
He explained that while a cylinder may look renewed on the outside, hidden internal damage often remains undetected. “The truth of the matter is that we only see what is happening on the outside, but corrosion could also be occurring inside the cylinder, where it is not visible,” Ing. Gbagbo noted.
“That is why, after ten years of use, cylinders must be taken to a certified cylinder manufacturing company for requalification and pressure testing. Thankfully, we currently have four such companies in Ghana.”
He added that the Authority’s Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) was specifically designed to address this risk. “Only safe, certified and well-maintained cylinders will be circulated under the CRM, which will solve the issue of painting cylinders that merely masks internal problems,” he said.
Beyond cylinder checks, Ing. Gbagbo outlined life-saving safety protocols for LPG users. “In case of a suspected leak, never switch on or off any electrical device. Open all windows and doors immediately to ventilate the area and evacuate if necessary,” he advised.
He further urged households to use a wet blanket or fire extinguisher to control small gas-related fires, to always store cylinders in well-ventilated spaces away from heat sources, and to keep them upright during transportation.
Bono Regional Manager of the NPA, Joseph Kwame Gyan, used the occasion to highlight LPG’s role in Ghana’s energy transition.
He said the fuel’s efficiency and reduced emissions made it a game-changer for households and industries alike, urging students, engineers and healthcare workers to act as advocates for its adoption.
Eunice Budu Nyarko, Head of Consumer Services at the NPA, linked the campaign to the wider public health agenda.
She warned of the dangers of charcoal and firewood, stressing that smoke exposure remained a leading cause of respiratory illnesses, especially among children.
“Switching to LPG is not just about convenience; it is a crucial step in safeguarding the health of families,” she emphasised.
The campaign also extended to the Sunyani Market, where traders were sensitised on safety practices and the health benefits of LPG. Officials said the initiative forms part of the NPA’s broader national effort to ensure Ghanaians reap the benefits of cleaner fuels without compromising safety.
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