Prampram residents in danger over scrapping of old ship:

The old ship at Prampram

National Security officials are said to have moved in to stop the scrapping of an old ship off the shores of Prampram in the Greater Accra Region.

The move follows a Joy FM report yesterday about the ship which is said to be containing toxic substances.

Residents say these substances are likely to be dumped into the ocean and could pollute the environment.

A scrap contractor is said to have bought the ship but officials of the Environmental Protection Agency say it poses a serious health hazard.

Fiifi Koomson was at the site on Monday and reported the ship and its content represent looming threat to the residents.

He said the ship, the length of a football field, is ready to be cut into pieces.

One of the residents named only as Ivy said she has had to breathe in gas and iron dumped from the ship into the ocean daily which can only be poisonous to herself and her unborn baby.

Fishermen however are unaware of the threat the ship and its content pose to their health and are going about their fishing expedition daily.

Officials of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA has meanwhile promised to deal with the situation.

The Tema Zone of the EPA has since been coordinating the operation.

Source: My Joy Online. 30 November 2011

http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/77347.php