By Dominic Hlordzi
Traders, especially market women, have been encouraged not to allow their children to go near woodfuel fires and coalpots while cooking.
The Head of Consumer Services at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Eunice Budu Nyarko, gave the advice while interacting with traders, market women, hawkers and buyers at the Ejisu and Kejetia markets in the Ashanti Region.
According to her, studies have shown that the continuous practice could exacerbate underlying health conditions such as asthma, which leads to respiratory tract infections, reduced lung function and even heart failure, adding that the prolonged exposure to smoke from charcoal and firewood could also increase the risk of low birth weight and infant mortality.
The engagement with the people in the market forms part of the NPA’s LPG safety campaigns.
Apart from the interaction in the market, the team of NPA officials also engaged some tertiary students in the region as part of the education campaign in schools across the country.
The training sessions were held at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Sefwi Wiawso College of Education in the Western North Region.
The initiative seeks to promote safe LPG handling habits among Ghanaian youth while championing the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) for enhanced safety.
During interactive demonstrations, the Head of Gas Commercial Regulation, Mr Obed Kraine Boachie, educated the students on critical safety protocols, including proper cylinder storage in well ventilated spaces and secure transportation techniques like keeping cylinders in an upright position to minimize leak risks.
“After transporting a filled LPG cylinder, allow it to sit undisturbed for at least 30 minutes before use to ensure the gas inside stabilizes to prevent potential issues when the cylinder is opened or used,” Mr. Boachie advised the students.
The sensitisation was also used to emphasize emergency response, correcting the dangerous misconception that merely switching off the stove suffices during gas leaks.
“Immediately shut the cylinder valve and open all windows to disperse gas. These few seconds actions can prevent tragedies,” Mr. Boachie stressed.
The participants also practised leak detection using soapy water tests and learnt how to identify expired cylinders.
The CRM system emerged as a game changer in the discussions, with Mr. Boachie detailing how it transfers cylinder maintenance burdens to certified bottling companies while slashing consumer costs.
The NPA’s Head of Communications , Racheal Naa Atswei Nee-Okpey also led a team to some radio stations in the region to compliment the exercise. She assured the public of the authority’s commitment to safety and regulatory enforcement.
“The NPA, as the downstream regulator, remains committed to safeguarding the interests of consumers, industry stakeholders and the public at large,” she added.
The National LPG safety awareness campaign forms part of the NPA’s broader initiative to promote safe and responsible use of petroleum products and prevent avoidable accidents in homes, schools and communities nationwide.
Officials from the Ashanti Regional Fire Service also supported the NPA team in the sensitization campaign.
