The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken interest in an alleged leakage of a gas storage facility at the new Kejetia Market in Kumasi.

Traders fear the gas leakage could trigger a disaster at the slightest spark of fire if the situation is not urgently addressed.

The Agency has directed the management of the market to report detailed information on the gas leakage to the National Petroleum Authority.

Over 90,000 litres of gas have been stored purposely for food vendors at the multimillion cedi market facility.

The aim is to supply food vendors with gas without going out of the facility to fill their cylinders. But the gas facility is yet to serve its purpose.

The operations manager of the Kejetia Traders Association, Ahmed Kwarteng, says there is no sense of urgency to their plight. He fears an explosion will be disastrous.

The gas installation is at the back of the food vendors at the market. Amidst alleged gas leakage, the food vendors expressed fear over emergency exits.

The EPA wants management of the facility to work with safety agencies to ensure the right thing is done.

Samuel Oteng, the Ashanti regional manager, "We are done with our observation and there was nothing like gas leakage but Kcm should immediately work together with NPA and fire service to rectify any abnormally', Samuel Oteng the Ashanti regional manager."

A consultant to the Brazilian construction firm 'Contracta', Emmanuel Danso says prior to the gas installation, all safety agencies were engaged.

He said the requisite safety measures remain in place, including alerts for leakages. 

Mr Danso, however, suggests regular checkup and maintenance by management of market.

"When 'Contracta' hands over the market to KCM, the manager, Kofi Duffour, is expected in market management, regular maintenance and checkup must be prioritised. We are on standby to assist on any day," he said.

Meanwhile, some traders, including roasted plantain sellers are operating close to the gas storage.

The Regional Boss for National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Kwabena Nsenkyire, says this is a threat and has called for their immediate evacuation

"I have called the city mayor, Osei Assiby Antwi, he has responded affirmatively right away we going to move all the traders on the traders close to the site because their activities can cause fire one day," he added.