The National Petroleum Authority(NPA), in collaboration with the Western Naval Command of the Ghana Navy, has intensified efforts to combat illicit fuel smuggling and illegal petroleum trading along Ghana’s coastline.

The joint operation, conducted in Sekondi-Takoradi, led to the interception of wooden fabricated boats suspected to have been used in the transportation and distribution of illicit and unaccounted-for fuel products.

As part of the exercise, the Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, set one of the impounded boats ablaze in what officials described as a symbolic move to deter illegal fuel activities.

Addressing security personnel and stakeholders during the operation, Mr. Tameklo declared that “enough is enough,” stressing that the Authority would strengthen collaboration with security agencies to clamp down on fuel smuggling and related illegal activities across the country’s coastal communities.

He described the economic impact of illicit petroleum trade on the country as unethical and unacceptable, noting that such activities deprive the state of critical revenue and undermine the integrity of the downstream petroleum sector.

Mr. Tameklo further assured that the NPA remains committed to enforcing regulations and protecting the petroleum industry from criminal activities.

Also present during the operation was Samuel Ayelazono, who reaffirmed the Ghana Navy’s commitment to working closely with the NPA to combat maritime fuel smuggling and other unlawful activities along Ghana’s coastline.