Ghana Navy and NPA Escalate War on Illegal Fuel Smuggling Along Coastline

The Ghana Navy and the National Petroleum Authority have intensified their joint campaign against illegal fuel smuggling networks operating along the country’s coastline, destroying ten boats — including three specially modified vessels known as “dendes” used for transporting illicit petroleum products — at the Tema Fishing Harbour.

The operation, carried out by the Eastern Naval Command, marks the latest escalation in a months-long effort to dismantle what authorities describe as a sophisticated smuggling infrastructure that threatens both consumer safety and state revenue. Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Edudzi Tameklo, framed the crackdown as essential to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s fuel supply chain.

“Once contaminated or adulterated products get into the system, consumer protection cannot be guaranteed,” Mr Tameklo said. “Illegal trade also contributes to significant revenue losses to the state.”

The destruction of the seized vessels — which officials described as a major deterrent — follows a similar joint operation earlier this month in Takoradi conducted by the NPA and the Western Naval Command. Intelligence-led operations throughout 2026 have resulted in the seizure of multiple boats, outboard motors and suspected petroleum products linked to illegal bunkering activities.

Deputy Command Operations Officer Dorothy Osei Anso disclosed that operations between January and March intercepted several dendes, canoes and approximately 8,000 litres of suspected crude oil. The destruction of seized vessels began on May 19 at the Tema Fishing Harbour.

Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, warned that unchecked smuggling could pave the way for broader criminal enterprises. “If this is allowed to fester on, this modus operandi will be utilised to bring in other illegalities such as weapons, drugs and other things,” he cautioned.

Commodore Asiedu-Larbi explained that three of the destroyed wooden boats were large dendes specifically designed for carrying illegal fuel, while the remaining seven smaller canoes were linked to fuel siphoning and related illicit activities. Some of the smaller boats were intercepted at Ada during anti-smuggling operations conducted by the Navy’s Special Boat Squadron.

Mr Tameklo struck a defiant tone when asked about the adequacy of sanctions against offenders. “What more punitive measure is there than having these boats destroyed? The cost and engineering that go into constructing them are huge, so losing about eight of them is punishment enough,” he said. “If they come once, we will come ten times. We’ll go after the boats, the petroleum products and the people behind these illegal activities.”

The crackdown comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ghana’s petroleum sector. The Tema Oil Refinery recently received one million barrels of Bonga Crude Oil, a shipment officials described as a critical step in reviving the country’s refining capacity and reducing reliance on imported refined products — a vulnerability that illegal smuggling networks have long exploited.

The NPA said it would continue collaborating with the Navy and other security agencies to minimise illegal petroleum activities within Ghana’s maritime space, signalling that further operations should be expected in the months ahead.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE