The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo Esq, has issued a strong warning to individuals involved in illegal fuel bunkering, stressing that authorities will intensify operations to combat the activity and protect state revenue.
His remarks came during the destruction of eight jumbo canoes seized by the Western Naval Command in an anti-fuel smuggling operation at Poase and New Takoradi Beach in the Western Region.
The exercise, dubbed “Operation Don’t Complain,” was carried out on March 31, 2026, following intelligence reports that unregistered boats were being used to transfer petroleum products illegally along the coast.
According to the Western Naval Command, the operation was conducted under Sections 53 and 54 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, Act 1146, which requires permits for the construction and operation of fishing vessels. The Command explained that the confiscated canoes were operating without the necessary authorization.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Tameklo noted that illegal bunkering undermines the NPA’s fuel quality control systems and deprives the state of significant tax revenue.
He explained that petroleum products are tested before and after discharge to ensure they meet required standards and are properly marked to prevent adulteration.
“Any reduction in fuel concentration levels often points to adulteration through the addition of other substances to increase volumes for sale,” he said, adding that such practices could damage vehicles and negatively affect consumers.
Mr. Tameklo further revealed that operators use locally manufactured canoes, commonly known as “DenDey,” to transport petroleum products from offshore vessels directly to fuel outlets without regulatory monitoring. He said these products bypass the NPA’s tracking and marking systems, making it difficult to verify their quality and source.
According to him, a single canoe can transport volumes equivalent to two fuel tankers, resulting in substantial financial losses to the state through unpaid taxes.
“If you take 540,000 litres and assume there is one cedi tax on every litre, that is over GH¢540,000 lost in just one round,” he stated.
Mr. Tameklo said the destruction of the canoes forms part of efforts to dismantle the infrastructure supporting illegal bunkering and send a clear warning to offenders.
“Without these canoes, the entire illegal infrastructure begins to collapse,” he added.
He assured that the NPA, in collaboration with the Ghana Navy, Marine Police and National Security, will continue intelligence-led operations to clamp down on illegal petroleum activities along Ghana’s coastline.
The Western Naval Command also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing maritime laws and protecting Ghana’s marine resources.
Source: businesspostonline
