The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cautioned residents in Kumasi against fuel siphoning from accidented tankers as part of its ongoing “Stay Back, Stay Safe” campaign aimed at preventing explosions, injuries and loss of lives.

Over the past two days, the National Petroleum Authority has intensified sensitisation efforts in Kumasi, engaging drivers and commuters, particularly taxi and ‘trotro’ operators, on the dangers associated with approaching overturned fuel tankers.

The campaign seeks to curb the growing practice of fuel siphoning from accident scenes, which the Authority says poses serious health and safety risks and has previously led to injuries and fatalities in several parts of the country.

As part of the exercise, officials of the Authority appeared on Kessben FM and Silver FM in Kumasi to further educate the public on the hazards involved in such incidents.

Head of Consumer Analytics and Market Intelligence at the NPA, Ing. Johnson Gbagbo Jnr, urged the public to stay away from accidented fuel tankers to avoid possible explosions and other dangers.

The Head of Communications, Naa Atswei Nee-Okpey, outlined measures being implemented by the Authority, including the training and certification of tanker drivers operating Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs), and called on the media to support public education on fuel safety.

Supervisor at the Security and Intelligence Unit of the NPA, Felix Hamilton, cautioned against tampering with accident scenes, stressing that it constitutes a criminal offence.

The Ashanti Regional Manager of the Authority, Prince Alphonse, also urged residents to avoid accident scenes altogether, emphasising that such actions are critical to saving lives and protecting property.