Ghana's NPA orders halt to operations at flooded fuel stations

Ghana's National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has issued a directive for all fuel stations experiencing flooding to cease operations immediately. The order applies to any station where floodwater has reached the forecourt, tank area, or entered manholes, fill points, or vent pipes.

Operators are instructed to suspend all fuel dispensing, loading, and offloading activities. Furthermore, they must safely isolate electrical power to forecourt equipment, evacuate staff and customers, establish a safety exclusion zone, and eliminate potential ignition sources. Immediate notification to the NPA, Ghana National Fire Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and their respective Oil Marketing Company is mandatory.

These stringent measures are a response to recent heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in parts of the country. The NPA emphasized the critical need for adherence to safety protocols to prevent potential hazards associated with fuel and floodwater.

Resumption of operations will only be permitted after floodwaters have completely receded. A joint safety inspection must be conducted to certify the equipment is safe, and any contaminated fuel or waste must be properly removed and disposed of. The NPA warns that any violations, including the sale of contaminated fuel or reopening without official clearance, will result in severe sanctions.

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In view of the recent heavy rainfall and flooding experienced in parts of the country, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) directs all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), fuel station operators, dealers, transporters, and the general public to strictly adhere to the following safety measures at all fuel retail outlets affected by flooding.