Takoradi, April 30, GNA - Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Deputy Minister for Energy, on Thursday inaugurated a second automated tank farm and gantry for Cirrus Oil Services Limited (COSL), at Poase in Takoradi. The Ghanaian oil company that deals in crude oil, gasoline and other refined petroleum products including liquidfied Petroleum Gas (LPG) opened its first facility in Tema 20 months ago.

Mr. Buah said government would ensure that all licensed bulk oil distribution companies establish distribution facilities to store fuel in large quantities and load fuel into bulk vehicles or oil tanks, to ensure availability of petroleum products in the country. He called on local and foreign investors to invest in the country since government was committed to establishing favourable environment for business transactions.

Mr Buah asked COSL to adhere to health and safety standards regarding highly inflammable products. He said that the initiative of the company reflected confidence that the business community had in the government's sound economic and fiscal policies.

Mr. Buah appealed to the company to promote education, health and sanitation as part of its social responsibilities to communities in its catchment area. He called on the people to check the smuggling of the petroleum products and cautioned the fisher folks to refrain from fishing closer to oil rigs.

Mr. Alex Mould, acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), said the Authority would ensure that all oil companies operated in accordance with rules and regulations to protect lives and properties.

He said that the NPA has instructed that as from May 15 this year, all non-licensed road bulk vehicles and those without prescribed inscriptions should not be allowed to operate.

Mr. Nkum Adipa, Managing Director of the Cirrus Oil Services Limited, said that those who would be affected by the project have been compensated through the district assemblies. He said some households have been supplied with fire extinguishers to enable them to control fire outbreaks adding that the company had strictly adhered to safety measures. Mr Adipa appealed to NPA to review its deregulatory policy and its effect on the oil sector. 30 April 10 Attention recipients, item 02 ends first cast.