The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) says it will push for the prosecution of owners of a gas station; located at a residential area in Dansoman, which suffered an explosion Sunday.
However, this can only be done if investigations prove the owners failed to obtain the requisite permit to build the facility in the area.
Coordinator of NADMO, Joseph Otoo told Joy News the location of the station is a cause for concern.
As investigations begin into the incident today he said the Town and Country Planning Department have been notified and investigations have begun to ascertain how the owner of the gas station acquired a permit for the construction of the facility in the area.
The investigation will determine whether the owner of the property indeed made a request to construct such a facility and whether he got the necessary approval before proceeding with its construction.
He explained that the law frowns on the construction of fuel or gas stations in residential areas; this was to prevent disasters of such nature from occurring.
Joseph Otto said operations at the gas station will be halted as NADMO takes measures to sanction the owner of the facility, including the relocation of the facility from the area.
NADMO’s position on the development of fuel or gas stations is supported by the Fire Service.
Deputy Public Relations Officer for the Ghana National Fire Service, Billy Anaglatey told Joy News’ Fred Smith that no facility of such nature should be placed in a residential area.
He however noted that it was not the sole duty of the Service to restrict developments of such nature and that it was up to the Town and Country Planning Department to ensure that no facility of such nature is located close to residential areas.
He said their sole duty is to ensure that even after the facility is put up, adequate safety measures are totally adhered to.
Whether or not a fuel or gas station is constructed and in which area depends on the Town and Country Planning Department, he added.
Meanwhile Chief Programme Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency William Hayfron-Acquah said at the time a permit was issued for the construction of the gas station in the area, no residential property was cited at the location.
The Agency has further criticised the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for allowing residential properties to be built around a gas station in Dansoman.
An explosion at the gas station in the area Monday has left two people badly injured. The two are currently on admission at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
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