The use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has become widespread in Ghana, from households to restaurants and university hostels; however, safety concerns remain a pressing issue. In 2024 alone, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) recorded 5,596 fire outbreaks, with LPG-related incidents contributing to many of these cases.
Despite the risks, many university students rely on LPG for cooking in their hostels. The rising number of accidents calls for increased awareness of safety measures to prevent disasters.
Alberta, a final-year student at KNUST’s Pentagon Hostel, shared her safety routine: “I’ve used LPG for three years on campus. I always remove my regulator when I’m not using it and check for gas leaks by smelling around the kitchen.”
Fire safety expert Elijah Baiden, a station officer at the KNUST Fire Station, emphasized best practices for using LPG cylinders. “Cylinders should always be placed outside, while burners remain inside.
If using a small cylinder with a direct burner, ensure proper ventilation and an emergency exit. Regularly clean your cylinder to prevent corrosion from food stains, avoid using mobile phones near it, and never turn on the gas before lighting a match.”
Students have also had firsthand experiences with gas leaks and fires. Adepa, a final-year student at Anthony Hostel, recounted a frightening incident: “My regulator was weak, causing a gas leak.
I was on my phone and didn’t notice the smell. When I lit my fire, the whole place caught fire.
I quickly covered the cylinder with a wet towel to put it out and replaced my regulator.” With university students balancing academics and hostel life, staying informed about LPG safety is crucial.
Experts and students alike stress the importance of vigilance, proper maintenance, and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent avoidable disasters.