Incident Report

Subject:                     7-member committee to probe Tema Oil Refinery fire which claimed two lives

Date of Email report:   Wed 20/01/2010

Report Detail:

Government has announced the composition of a technical committee to investigate the fire outbreak at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).  The seven-member committee is chaired by Mr. K. B. Quantson, a former national security coordinator.  A statement issued by the Energy Ministry, expressed government’s condolence to the family of the person who lost his life in the fire.  The committee’s terms of reference 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.  Assurances have been given that there would be no adverse effect on fuel supply, and government says it will provide TOR with all the support required to guarantee petroleum supply.  Other committee members are Emmanuel Quartey, a consultant to the Africa Refineries Association; Dr. Yaw Akoto, managing director of BOST company; 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.