By Francis Kobena Tandoh
An intelligence-led anti-illegal bunkering operation by the Ghana Navy has led to the seizure of several gallons of oil at coastal communities near Aflao, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed in a statement.
The statement, signed by Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, said the Navy also accosted seven modified canoes specially built for oil bunkering along the southeastern coast of Ghana.
“On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, a team of Ghana Navy personnel from Naval Base Nutekpor conducted an intelligence-led anti-illegal bunkering operation along the Abeliakorpe and Atokukorpe landing beaches in Aflao, Volta Region. The coordinated raid, which took place from 0500 to 1340 hours GMT, targeted several stash houses and makeshift structures, resulting in the seizure of 162 of 25-litre-gallons and 32 of 200 litre-barrels filled with fuel,” read the statement.
“On Thursday, 15 January 2026, the Ghana Navy again accosted seven modified, specially built canoes known as ‘Dendes’, suspected of illicit bunkering along the Ketu-Denu-Aflao coastline in the Volta Region. The seized canoes contained 378 empty barrels engineered for the smuggling of fuel at sea. The canoes were seized and towed to the Tema Harbour after the perpetrators fled upon spotting the Navy Ship,” added the statement.
The statement assured the Ghana Navy remains dedicated to its mission of securing the country’s maritime zone. It urged coastal communities to report suspicious activities to ensure national security, protect marine and biodiversity, and the sustainability of the country’s blue economy.
Illegal oil bunkering, involving the illicit transfer and smuggling of fuel, is a significant security issue along the south-east coast of Ghana, particularly in the Volta region.
These activities result in significant revenue losses due to tax evasion, fuel adulteration in local markets, and environmental pollution. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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