The LPG Marketers Association of Ghana is demanding an apology from the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Hamid for claiming they are sabotaging the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM).
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem on Monday, Vice President of the LPG Marketers Association of Ghana, Gabriel Kumi said Mr. Hamid’s claim is unfortunate.
He indicated that, they will never oppose an initiative which allows consumers to exchange empty cylinders for filled ones at designated points.
“We have worked with him, and as our boss, he should apologize. The lies he told were unnecessary. With his term ending in December, it would be most honourable for him to establish a good relationship with us before he leaves” he stated.
Mr Kumi further criticized the lack of a transition plan for the new model, pointing out that the government has asked them to create new exchange points amid a declining gas market.
He expressed concern that the CRM is being managed by foreign and semi-foreign companies, whereas the current 800 LPG retail stations in Ghana are run by indigenous people.
“They have chosen foreign companies over us and are trying to create the perception that our current model is not safe. All the countries he cited began with the cylinder recirculation from the start, so their citizens were not used to the other model. The NPA has aligned with these foreign companies.”
The LPG Marketers Association stressed the need for a fair and safe implementation of the CRM, insisting that no LPG management system is completely accident-free.
“We are not sabotaging the model. However, if anyone tells you that the cylinder recirculation method is safer than the current system, that person should be questioned. We are working with gas, and no system is accident-free. What you need to do as a regulator is to take measures to improve safety,” he said.
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