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Residents of Gbawe near Ablekuma are complaining about a fuel station project that is ongoing at their vicinity and therefore appealing to the appropriate authorities to halt the progress of the project.

The residents have expressed their worry and fears over the construction of the fuel station which is established directly between two residential properties.

According to them, all efforts and discussions with the owner of the facility to relocate the establishment have proven futile; hence their call on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to give a directive compelling the owner to immediately discontinue with construction.

Speaking in an interview with Peacefmonline.com, a resident (name withheld), was worried the siting of the fuel station would threaten the lives of the residents and commuters in the vicinity.

He noted that “the fuel station is just right beside my house and another property. We have complained about it but nothing has been done. I’m afraid something might happen or it could pose a threat to us since it is just near my house and also in a private residence. We want the authorities to come to our aid and stop the workers from continuing the construction because we won’t wait for something bad to happen before we call for the attention of the authorities”.

Nii Mensah Akwanor, a resident also said “this is not a commercial area, but a residential area and also there was no stakeholder consultation before the construction began. We do not need a fuel station here”.

The residents have therefore petitioned the appropriate authorities hoping their plea will be heard.

“With reference to our letter dated 20th February, 2019 on the aforementioned subject, we wish to re-emphasize that the owner of the fuel station has revisited the activity to push ahead the project. Foreseeing the danger that can occur in future if the project is not stopped, we wish to draw your attention, once again, to use your office to find a lasting solution to the matter”, the petition read. 

They want the NPA and EPA together with all authorities of interest to “as a matter of urgency, come and inspect where the fuel station is being constructed so that you will appreciate our concern”.