Three fuel tanker accidents in a week raise safety concerns

Ghana has seen its third significant fuel tanker accident in just one week, raising serious worries about fuel transportation safety on the country's highways.

The most recent incident occurred at Mamfe-Amamprobi, where a tanker carrying 27,000 gallons of petrol collided and began leaking dangerously.

Firefighters from the Akropong Municipal Fire Station, commanded by a seven-person squad, rushed to the area and successfully prevented a huge calamity.

The team quickly cooled the tanker and monitored the situation while the fuel was securely transferred to another vehicle.

The damaged tanker was eventually dragged away. The Eastern Regional Fire Commander, ACFO I Timothy Osafo-Affum, was also present to supervise the operation.

The investigation into the reason of the accident is still ongoing.

This comes after a near-catastrophe on the Accra-Kumasi Highway in Neefio just a few days ago. A DAF petrol truck hauling thousands of litres overturned after a tyre ruptured, spewing fuel in the severe heat.

The Suhum Municipal Fire Service responded quickly and tactically, preventing a potential explosion with the application of foam concentrate and continuous cooling intervals.

Another incident occurred earlier this week when a fuel tanker with the registration number GT 6870-24, carrying 54,000 gallons of petrol, was involved in an accident near New Jejeti, also on the Accra-Kumasi route.

The worrying frequency of these fuel tanker accidents has prompted widespread concern, with many calling on regulatory organizations to strengthen safety checks, improve driver training, and ensure tougher enforcement of roadworthiness standards in order to prevent future fatalities.