The Acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has strongly condemned the trend where citizens are quick to approach disaster scenes for myriad reasons, especially if they have no expertise to offer in rescuing victims of accident.
Speaking to the issue of public awareness and risk reduction in disasters and accident responses on TV3 NewDay, on August 11, 2025, he strongly cautioned residents against approaching accident scenes with the mindset of going to loot.
Recounting accidents particularly involving fuel tankers, he warned that the highly inflammable nature of fuel makes it hazardous and must be avoided at all cost, paving way for experts in disaster management to contain the situation.
When there are accidents involving fuel tankers, you see people rushing to the scene with gallons to fetch the fuel. How much is a gallon of fuel? Is it more valuable than your life? Even now, the price of fuel has fallen so would you say its more valuable than your life? he queried.
He urged relevant stakeholders to intensify education among citizens to safeguard lives, especially in situations on disaster management.
His caution follows the tragic helicopter accident on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, was among others.
Also on board were Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; a former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong; Muniru Limuna (Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator); and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate.
The crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
MRA/AE
Meanwhile, watch the trailer for GhanaWebs upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:
Meanwhile, watch the trailer for GhanaWebs upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below: