Residents of the Hofedo Electoral Area in the Ho municipality of the Volta Region have expressed fear and concern over the establishment of a new gas station located just behind their residences, particularly those near the Church of Pentecost along the C.K. Road to Da Abra stretch. 

The community members have called on city authorities to prioritise their safety and safeguard their properties.

The residents have submitted a petition to the city authorities through the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ho, Richard Divine Bosson, who also chairs the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC). 

The petition, dated November 9, 2023, was collectively signed by 28 residents, representing their families, and was presented to the MCE on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

The petition highlighted that about five years ago, officers from the Town and Country Planning Department informed the community about a proposed filling station project. 

However, after a careful assessment, the community rejected the proposal, and the officers did not return. 

Recently, the residents discovered that construction had commenced on the disputed land, leaving them alarmed. 

The project's rapid progress, especially during the night, has raised suspicions among the residents.

Citing past fuel station disasters in Accra in 2015 and the Atomic Junction Gas Station incident in 2018, as well as a recent filling station disaster in Ho in 2021, the petitioners emphasised the potential dangers to lives and properties. 

They argued that the project infringes on their civil liberties and urged immediate action to secure their community.

The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, who received the petition, assured the concerned residents that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and addressed in the best interest of all stakeholders. 

Copies of the petition were distributed to relevant departments and agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana National Fire Service, Environmental Health Department, and Ghana Police Service.

Residents, speaking to Class News’ Volta Regional Correspondent Kingsley Attitsogbui, expressed their fear, especially in light of recent gas station disasters. 

They appealed to all stakeholders to ensure the immediate cessation of the project and strict adherence to safety regulations, stressing on the importance of maintaining a 100ft distance from residential areas when establishing such facilities.