Ashaley Botwe residents protest against construction of new fuel station
Residents of Ashaley Botwe in Accra are protesting against the siting of a fuel station by Goil PLC in the area.
According to them, the owners of the site have made several attempts to complete the project since 2016, despite the continuous disapproval of residents.
The residents, who were clad in red bands to register their displeasure against the fuel station, say it could pose a danger to their lives due to its proximity to their homes.
Per the explanation given by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) issued a letter instructing that the work should be suspended.
He, however, says the NPA eventually lifted the suspension, allowing the workers to return to site, reigniting the protest.
During the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey’s visit to the community, the MCE pleaded with him to intercede to halt the construction.
“We want that no work goes on until we have determined the NPA’s real position. And then the EPA has done some consultation, community consultation, we want to know who and who were engaged because the issues as to where they came from, whether they were from the immediate vicinity or further is something that has come up, so we need to be properly informed on this,” the MCE appealed to Mr Quartey.
In response to the petition, the Regional Minister also agreed that the location of the fuel station cannot is improper.
“Taking cognizance of what happened Atomic Junction [Gas explosion], which still is fresh in the minds of some people and all of us, and that of the June 10 disaster cycle, this clearly cannot hold…
“If you look at the adjoining buildings, I mean clearly there is a house behind here and I can see the underground tank for the fuel station,” Mr Quartey stressed.
Although he explained that it was not in his interest to deter investors from investing in the country to provide jobs, he contended that the welfare and safety of citizens must also be prioritised.
With that, the Regional Minister ordered the suspension of the work until due diligence is done.
Source: Ghana News
