Government sets up committee to investigate TOR fire

Accra, Jan. 20, GNA - The Government on Wednesday set up a seven-member committee to investigate Tuesday's fire at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) that claimed one life.

A statement signed by Mr Emmanuel Buah, Deputy Minister of Energy, said the Committee would be chaired by Mr. Kofi Bentum Quantson, a former National Security Coordinator.

The statement expressed government's condolence to the family of the man who lost his life in the fire.

"We are distressed by the loss of life and property on Monday and also the possible impact on the petroleum supply situation." The statement acknowledged the assurance from TOR that there would be no adverse effect on the supply of petroleum, saying the government would provide TOR with all the support required to guarantee petroleum supply. The terms of reference of the technical committee include "determining the immediate and remote causes of the fire outbreak; ascertaining the extent of damage; evaluating the appropriateness of existing security and safety measures before the fire; making recommendations to avoid recurrence and other related or relevant issues". Other members of the committee are Mr. Emmanuel Quartey, a Consultant to the Africa Refineries Association; Dr. Yaw Akoto, Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage & Transportation Company and a former Managing Director of TOR; Mr. Richard Blankson, formerly of the Ministry of Energy; Lt. Col. Diamond Akplor (Rtd); a representative of the Ghana National Fire Service and a representative of the Attorney-General's Department who shall be a Member/Secretary to the committee. It would be recalled that the fire also burned nine petrol tankers and other property.