Editorial
Ensure cylinder recirculation module is safe for consumers
The implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Module (CRM) policy has delayed due to a number of factors, notable among them is the huge influx of refurbished cylinders in the Ghanaian market.
The CRM module is a “Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marketing model that involves filling LPG cylinders at large refilling plants and then supplying them (the filled cylinders) to consumers at specialised retail outlets called exchange points, where consumers exchange their empty cylinders for a filled one.”
The module,according to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA),will take effect from the second quarter of this year but it has not yet been operational. The pilot project which was initially started in six regions has also suffered some setbacks due to lack of bottling plants across the country and the low turnaround rate of the cylinders.
The NPA again revealed that there were very little cylinders in the system which made it difficult for the module to operate fully. It seems the infrastructure for the project is not ready.
According to Sigma Ghana, a multi-national company involved in the manufacturing of cylinders, refurbished cylinders, which come through the known and unknown points of entry were labelled as scraps which are not supposed to be sold to consumers because the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has not certified them hence the cylinders do not conform to the required health and safety standards.
This was revealed by the General Manager of the company, MrCarlo Zeitounian during a familiarisation tour by officials of the Ministry of Energy and NPA recently at the company’s facilities to ensure that the cylinders produced were of the highest quality and safe for consumers. According to him,the company had already received product certification from the GSA for the manufacture of cylinders.
It is obvious that when it becomes fully operational, the CRM will be of benefit to Ghanaians. These include increased access to LPG, ensuring sustainable supply, health and safety and addressing sub-standard cylinders which pose danger to consumers among others.
Fortunately, the ban placed on the construction and operations of new LPG facilities across the country in August 2017, by thegovernment, after the Atomic Junction gas explosion, has been lifted and the NPA has directed all those who were affected to resubmit applications for consideration. This is good news for them.
This directive was stated in a letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NPA, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid after the 35th Sitting of cabinet on August 3, 2022, which among others, addressed concerns of the LPG Marketers Association of Ghana (LPGMAG).
Earlier, LPGMAG, the Ghana LPG Operations Association and the Tanker Drivers Association of Ghana declared an industrial action as they raised a number of concerns which were addressed by cabinet.
The Spectator hopes that LPGMAG will stick to their promise made after calling off their industrial action to ensure the availability of LPG throughout the country. In almost every home in Ghana, gas is used for various purposes and without it, life will be unbearable for many as the use of charcoal is being discouraged to conserve the environment.
The lifting of the ban is a great opportunity for businesses to invest in the industry as they can now consider setting up bottling plants across the country to create jobs for many Ghanaians.
The Spectator again hopes that with the lifting of the ban the government will put the necessary measures and infrastructure in place for the CRM to come into full operation without delay.
To ensure the availability of cylinders for the module, the NPA should collaborate with the private sector to supplement what comes from the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC).
The Spectator wishes to plead with would-be manufacturers of the LPG cylinders, those who intend to open new gas filling stations and the LPG Marketers Association not to be in haste but use the appropriate channels for certification before they resume operations.
We urge the NPA and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to be vigilant by ensuring that manufacturers produce to specifications so that the cylinders which will be circulated on the market will be of the highest quality to meet health and safety standards.
The NPA should educate the public regularly before the module comes into full operation.
There is also the need to ensure that defected cylinders are worked on before they are circulated into the system for use.
It is the hope of this paper that the regulatory authorities will ensure that the Cylinder Recirculation Module is safe for consumers.
The recent floods in Accra and the neighbouring areas, which were brought on by a heavy downpour, were very catastrophic and caused loss of lives and property damage.
Similar severe flooding and downpours were also reported in other regions, which has caused anxiety and dread whenever it rains.
In a short period of time, the floods had a dangerous effect on entire communities and landscapes. Because of this, a lot of people are now temporarily putting up with friends or family members.
Videos that went viral on social media showed cars and other valuables being swept away by the floodwaters with little to nothing being done to stop them.
Certain organisations, including the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, were not spared because the flood level damaged important documents and swamped their premises.
Even locations outside of flood-prone zones were inundated by the floods.
The rains would intensify along with thunderstorms, according to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), which is tasked with observing, analysing, and disseminating weather and climate information to protect lives, promote economic planning, and maintain public safety.
It is important to remember that increased evaporation and atmospheric moisture due to climate change might intensify rainfall. Furthermore, more catastrophic floods are caused by heavy rainfall and shifting topography.
We discussed the causes of floods and mitigation strategies in our earlier editorial, “Accra floods necessitate change in attitude.”
Although the current flood situation is dire, safety can be greatly improved by being ready and understanding what to do.
The Spectator encourages the public to make an effort to be well-informed about weather predictions and take the required precautions to stay safe because the GMet is now providing accurate forecasts.
Make excellent use of the alert services that you can sign up for these days to get notifications on your phone.
Water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, prescription drugs, crucial documents in waterproof containers, and first aid supplies should all be prepared and kept readily available.
Safeguard your house and offices, relocate valuables to higher floors, and raise electrical appliances off the ground.
Avoid coming into contact with floodwater whenever you can since it might be tainted with chemicals, sewage, and other dangerous substances and also reptiles.
To make sure your neighbours are secure, it is crucial to check on them, especially if they are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
Additionally, parents need to make sure their children do not play in or close to floodwaters.
Let us be careful as there are floods everywhere.
Dear Editor,
I wish to plead with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to dispatch personnel to some of the flash points when it rains.
What happened last Monday and Tuesday at major transport terminals must not be something that must be repeated.
I wish to first of all commend the Interior Minister, Mr Muntaka Mubarak for the swift intervention by announcing the ‘holiday’ that gave workers and school children a relief.
It was such a tough moment for workers driving and those not driving. The situation at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange and other transport terminals forced workers to walk long distances.
Apart from the lack of public transport, pedestrians had to navigate through mud, making it difficult to move around.
I believe that with the presence of police personnel, the traffic situation can be well managed to ease the huge traffic congestion to make travelling a lot easier.
Frank Amoah,
Kasoa
News1 week agoPolice arrest four suspected drug peddlers, recover firearm, narcotic substances in Mankranso operation
- News1 week ago
Okyeame Kwame thanks Galaxy International School for co-parenting with his family to raise daughter
- News2 days ago
DVLA denies losing GH¢308,000 in alleged theft involving service personnel
