The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is taking proactive measures in collaboration with Ghana's security agencies to combat fuel smuggling activities along the borders of the Upper East region.

To address this issue, security personnel have been strategically positioned at smuggling hotspots, leading to improved sales of quality fuel supply in the region.

Fuel smuggling has been a major challenge in Ghana's petroleum downstream supply chain, causing adverse effects on both bulk distribution companies and consumers in terms of pricing and demand.

The Upper East Region, with its proximity to landlocked countries, has become a target for fuel smugglers who use unauthorized routes to illegally transport petroleum products, mostly under the cover of night.

To curb this illicit activity, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Chief Executive of NPA, initiated several measures.

Tracking systems have been installed on vehicles carrying petroleum products to Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) and points of discharge.

Additionally, incentives have been introduced for foreign petroleum transporters who send fuel to neighboring Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali, and Niger, discouraging middlemen from engaging in smuggling.

Mr. Bashiru Natogma, the Upper East Regional Manager of NPA, emphasized the implementation of a rapid response mechanism to eradicate fuel smuggling.

He warned individuals involved in this illegal trade to cease their activities or face the consequences of the law. The crackdown on fuel smuggling is not limited to border towns but also includes defunct fuel stations.

Specific areas where the efforts are being carried out include 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 other border communities in the region.

“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.

Mr. Natogma encouraged the public to report any illegal and unapproved activities at fuel stations or LPG refilling points to the NPA through its toll-free contact numbers. He also advised consumers to obtain receipts as evidence if they suspect cheating at the pumps.

The Head of Planning at NPA, Dominic Aboagye, assured journalists that the NPA would ensure an uninterrupted supply of quality petroleum products to both Ghanaians and clients in Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali, and Niger.