A ‘gao gao’ station
The Upper East Regional office of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has shut down sixteen illegal fuel reseller outlets popularly known as ‘gao gao’ in the region.
The region has had an increased growth of illegal outlets reselling petroleum products without authorization from NPA in areas such as Pelungu, Duusi, Gbane Shiega, Tongo, Gaare, Chuchuliga, Bolga Soe, Sirigu, Bongo, Zonno, Namolga, Sakote, Zorko and Kpale.
The Upper West Regional Manager of NPA, Bashiru Natogma, stated that the NPA Act only allows outlets licensed under the Act to possess petroleum products in quantities excess of that person’s immediate requirement.
He said the closed outlets lacked the necessary safety measures and infrastructure to handle and store petroleum products safely.
The Regional Manager added that, “Some of them often operate in close proximity to public spaces, increasing the risk of accidents and fire outbreaks. The absence of proper or adequate fire prevention systems such as firefighting equipment and trained personnel further exacerbates these dangers.”
Mr. Natogma said the operation was to uphold the quality, pricing, and safety in retailing of petroleum products.
He cautioned the public about the risk associated with purchasing petroleum products from unauthorized reseller outlets and encouraged individuals to purchase petroleum products from authorized reseller outlets and fuel stations.
The Regional Boss further cautioned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) engaging in illegal reselling to cease their activities and seek proper guidance to legally operate reseller outlets.
He warned that OMCs caught supplying petroleum products to these unauthorized reseller outlets will be severely sanctioned by the regulator.