The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana's regulator for the petroleum downstream sector, has provided clarification regarding an incident that occurred in Dadieso, Ashanti Region, where irate youth were seen blocking the main road and causing disruption, as depicted in a viral video.

Initial media reports suggested that the youth were protesting due to the lack of action in clearing a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker that had overturned in the area, posing a potential explosion risk.

A statement released by the Corporate Affairs Department of the NPA on Monday, 7 May 2024, provided further details regarding the incident. 

The statement revealed that the LPG tanker involved in the accident belonged to the Society Nationale Burkinabe d’Hydrocarbures (SONABHY), a state-owned company responsible for fuel supply in Burkina Faso.

According to the NPA, the accident occurred on the morning of Friday, May 3, 2024, prompting anxiety among residents due to the hazardous nature of the product. 

This led to demonstrations and the blockade of the Accra-Kumasi trunk road by the residents.

Upon receiving the information, the NPA promptly communicated with SONABHY's management and instructed them to dispatch an empty tanker and a pumping vehicle to evacuate the LPG product.

To expedite the process, the NPA arranged for a private company to assist in doing so.