The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), in collaboration with the Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Ghana Navy, has intensified efforts to combat illicit fuel smuggling and trading along Ghana’s coastal areas.
The joint operation led to the interception of wooden fabricated boats suspected to have been used for the conveyance and distribution of illicit and unaccounted-for fuel products in Sekondi-Takoradi.
In a symbolic gesture to deter illegal petroleum activities, the Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., on Friday set an impounded wooden boat ablaze following the operation in Sekondi-Takoradi.
Addressing personnel and stakeholders during the exercise, Mr. Tameklo declared that “enough is enough”, stressing that the Authority would deepen its cooperation with the security forces to crack down on illicit fuel activities across the country’s coastal belt.
He further described the economic cost of the illegal trade to the Ghanaian people as unethical and unacceptable, underscoring the urgent need to bring such acts to an end in order to protect national revenue and preserve the integrity of the downstream petroleum sector.
Also present at the operation was Commodore (Cdre) Samuel Ayelazono, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, who underscored the Ghana Navy’s continued collaboration with the NPA in tackling maritime-related fuel smuggling and other unlawful activities along the country’s coastline.
The NPA reiterated its resolve to work closely with security agencies to clamp down on all forms of illicit petroleum trade and urged the public to support efforts aimed at ensuring transparency, safety, and accountability within the petroleum sector.