The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has intensified public education efforts in Kumasi, cautioning residents against siphoning fuel from accidented tankers.

Over the past two days, the Authority has engaged the public through radio discussions and direct interactions with commercial drivers as part of its “Stay Back, Stay Safe” campaign.

The initiative aims to address the growing trend of fuel siphoning at accident scenes—a practice the NPA says poses serious health and safety risks and has led to injuries and fatalities in various parts of the country.

Speaking during media engagements with local stations, including Kessben FM and Silver FM, the Head of Consumer Analytics and Market Intelligence, Johnson Gbagbo Jnr, urged the public to avoid approaching overturned fuel tankers, warning of the risk of explosions and other hazards.

The Head of Communications at the NPA, Naa Atswei Nee-Okpey, highlighted measures being implemented to improve safety, including the training and certification of tanker drivers.

She also called on the media to support ongoing public education efforts.

Meanwhile, a Security and Intelligence Supervisor at the Authority, Felix Hamilton, cautioned that tampering with accident scenes constitutes a criminal offence.

The Ashanti Regional Manager, Prince Alphonse, reinforced the message, urging residents to stay away from such incidents to protect lives and property.

The NPA says it will continue its awareness campaign to discourage the dangerous practice and promote public safety.