The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has collaborated with security agencies to implement a robust plan to put an end to fuel smuggling activities along the borders in the Upper East Region.

Working together, the NPA and security services have stationed staff and personnel at strategic smuggling hotspots to effectively combat this issue.

During a recent media engagement in Bolgatanga, Bashiru Natogma, the Upper East Regional Manager of NPA, expressed that this initiative has resulted in a significant improvement in the sale of quality fuel supply in the region.

Fuel smuggling has long been a challenge in Ghana's petroleum downstream supply chain, causing difficulties for both bulk distribution companies and consumers in terms of pricing and availability.

The Upper East Region, being bordered by landlocked countries, has been a prime target for fuel smugglers who exploit unauthorized routes, often under the cover of night, to transport the product illegally.

To address this issue, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Chief Executive of NPA, took the lead in implementing measures to curb these illicit activities.

As part of the strategy, tracking systems have been installed on vehicles carrying petroleum products to the Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) and at the points of discharge to closely monitor the movement of fuel.

In addition, incentives have been introduced for foreign petroleum transporters who supply fuel to neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali, and Niger, making it easier for the products to reach their destinations legitimately and discouraging middlemen from engaging in smuggling.

Mr. Natogma emphasized that a rapid response mechanism has also been adopted to promptly address any emerging smuggling activities.

“My team, in partnership with the security agencies, has made fuel smuggling very difficult especially at the border towns because that’s where majority of the smuggling takes place.

“We are therefore sending a strong warning to all identified and those yet to be identified in the fuel smuggling business to stop or face the law. We are not leaving any stone unturned in the fight against fuel smuggling in the border towns and some defunct fuel stations,” Mr. Bashiru cautioned.

Pindaa community in the Kassena Nankana Municipality, Nakolo in the Kassena Nankana West District, Kulungugu in the Pusiga District, Nayagnia in the Kassena Nankana Municipality, Bongo Soe in the Bongo District and some other border communities in the region are among the spots where the exercises are being carried out.

Mr. Natogma urged the public to report to the NPA through its toll-free contact numbers, any illegal and unapproved activities at the fuel stations or the LPG refilling points.

He also advised consumers who fall victim to cheating at the pumps to obtain receipts as evidence.

The Head of Planning at the NPA, Dominic Aboagye, briefed journalists on fuel supply and availability in Ghana. He gave the assurance that the NPA would ensure uninterrupted supply of quality petroleum products to Ghanaians and its clients in Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali and Niger.