By Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Edudzi Tamaklo, has issued a stern warning to the public against the perilous act of siphoning fuel from tanker trucks involved in accidents, declaring that culprits will be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Mr. Tamaklo disclosed that the NPA, in concert with the Ghana Police Service, is intensifying a coordinated crackdown on the escalating practice, which he described as both criminal and potentially catastrophic.
He emphasized that beyond its illegality, siphoning fuel at accident scenes exposes perpetrators to grave danger of infernos and explosions.
He made the remarks during a working visit by Parliament’s Energy Committee to the NPA on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Accra.
“People are fond of rushing to accident scenes involving fuel tankers to siphon fuel,” he lamented.
He implored the public to steer clear of such volatile scenes, stressing that tanker accidents are “highly prone to explosions.”
To bolster enforcement, Mr. Tamaklo revealed that “video surveillance will henceforth be deployed at accident scenes. The footage, he said, will be forwarded to the police to aid in identifying and prosecuting offenders.”
He further expressed grave concern over the emergence of organized syndicates that deliberately mobilize at crash sites, particularly along the Kumasi–Nsawam corridor, to perpetrate the illicit act.
“The Police, he added, will intensify monitoring efforts to ensure the arrest and prosecution of such individuals.”