NPA, Police to crack down on fuel siphoning from accident tankers
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo has warned of a growing and dangerous trend of people siphoning fuel from accident tankers, describing it as both criminal and life-threatening.
Speaking on the sidelines of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 Celebration in Accra last Thursday, he revealed that such actions have led to deadly explosions and destruction of property in recent incidents at places like Nsawam and Gomoa Potsin.
He stressed that the NPA, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, is using video evidence and support from cybercrime units and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.
"I think there's a disturbing phenomenon where anytime there's a tanker accident, people, mean fellow citizens will try stealing, let me say stealing, the products from these tankers. In some instances, that has resulted in massive explosions, resulting also in loss of lives and properties."
"We are working with the Ghana Police with the video recordings that we have already to effect the arrest of all those who have been found in those videos," he said.
Deterrent message
Mr Tameklo mentioned that these prosecutions are intended to send a strong deterrent message to the public, emphasizing that beyond being illegal, siphoning fuel exposes entire communities to severe risks.
The NPA boss also disclosed that the Authority has engaged tanker drivers’ unions to introduce stricter safety measures to reduce accidents, while urging motorists to keep a safe distance from fuel tankers.
"So we have been working actively to expose some of this but we are working together with the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies so that their members will be adequately informed," he said.
Additionally, he highlighted ongoing regulatory efforts to protect consumers, including monitoring oil marketing companies, fining those engaged in unfair practices, and plans to publicly name non-compliant firms.
Consumer protection
Deputy CEO of NPA, Dr Sheila Addo emphasized the Authority’s commitment to strengthening consumer protection in the country’s petroleum downstream sector.
She mentioned that this was the first time the NPA had organised a dedicated platform to discuss consumer rights issues within the industry.
She also highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue, stating that the event was designed to give a voice to participants who are often excluded from mainstream discussions.
The event held on the theme: "Safe Products, Confident Consumers in Ghana's Downstream Petroleum Sector," focused on critical issues, including consumer safety, fuel availability, product quality and pricing.
