The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cracked down on illegal fuel trade, burning eight smuggling boats in the Western Region.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NPA, Mr. Edudzi Tamakloe, warned against the illegal practice, noting that smuggling of fuel through unapproved channels poses a serious threat to petroleum product quality regulation in the country.
Mr. Tamakloe made the remarks during a visit to the Western Naval Command, where he supervised the destruction of eight boats seized in connection with fuel smuggling activities. The vessels were intercepted carrying a combined total of 5,800 litres of fuel.
Speaking to the media, the NPA Chief Executive said the authority remains committed to ensuring that only quality petroleum products reach consumers across the country.
He noted that the NPA is intensifying efforts to prevent adulterated and unregulated fuel products from entering the market.
According to him, the illegal transportation of petroleum products through unauthorized sea routes makes it difficult for the authorities to properly monitor and verify fuel quality, thereby exposing the public to possible health and safety risks.
Mr. Tamakloe further explained that the NPA operates a product marking scheme designed to track every litre of petroleum product entering the Ghanaian market.
He stressed that the authority will not allow any fuel products to bypass the regulatory system and reach consumers through illegal channels.
He concluded by urging individuals involved in fuel smuggling to immediately stop the practice, describing the destruction of the seized boats as a clear indication of the NPA’s determination to clamp down on the illegal trade.
Source: Nana Fynn
