Deputy Energy Minister in charge of Petroleum, Dr Mohammed Amin Anta, has appealed to consumers of LPG products to support the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) policy, which is partly to address the issue of petroleum fires in the industry.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) had a stakeholder meeting with residents in the Tamale metropolis, to interact with them about the policy and take their questions, suggestions and feedback, as parts of a long period to roll out the policy
The Authority is expected to undertake a pilot exercise in Obuasi, Kweibibirem and Kade in the Eastern region before the entire program is rolled out across the country.
So far, LPG consumers in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western and Central regions have been engaged about the policy. Those in the Upper East region also had their turn on Tuesday.
Interacting with residents in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region, Dr Anta acknowledged the policy is not necessarily new, since it has been done some years ago, and that is why Ghanaians must embrace it, despite the fears being expressed by a section of the public.
“This policy will not succeed without You (consumers ), the citizens of Ghana, who are primary users of LPG products,” he said.
The NPA, he said, is well-positioned to carry the policy but acknowledged the contributions at such forums, “means we will succeed as a country.”
Dr Anta also assured industry players the policy will not result in any job losses, as it is being speculated.
“There are many people who say we are going to create unemployment through this policy… I want to assure you that this government will be the last to kick people out of their jobs.”
The Northern Regional Minister Salifu Sa-eed, who was also at the program, admonished the residents to embrace the policy since it will help address the health challenges associated with the use of wood fuels in the region.
On his part, Chief Executive of the NPA, Hassan Tampuli, reiterated his outfit commitment to continue soliciting the views of consumers in the country, before the policy is fully implemented.
Gabriel Kumi of the LPG Marketers Association who indicated his outfit preparedness to work with the NPA appealed to the government to have a look at the tax components on LPG products because it will help open up the market and boost consumption.
Source: Ghana|Starrfm.com.gh|103.5FM
