NPA boss to crackdown illegal fuel trade, warns against political interference
By DL News
Published
2 min read
Speaking during a meeting with the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) as part of his tour of the region, Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring that fuel transportation and sales adhere to leg...
The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, has issued a stern warning against individuals and groups involved in the illicit fuel trade, emphasizing that the authority will take decisive action to eliminate illegal activities in the sector.
Speaking during a meeting with the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) as part of his tour of the region, Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring that fuel transportation and sales adhere to legal standards.
He highlighted key illegal activities plaguing the sector, including fuel smuggling, selling adulterated fuel, operating with expired licenses, and failing to meet safety requirements.
Addressing the issue of political interference, Mr. Tameklo urged regional ministers to refrain from shielding unscrupulous fuel traders. He cautioned against individuals using political affiliations to manipulate regulatory processes or pressure NPA officials into engaging in unlawful dealings.
“There’s often an attempt to use political connections to influence regulatory decisions, but we will not tolerate such actions,” he stated. “If you protect these illegal traders today, who will you turn to when you unknowingly purchase contaminated fuel for your vehicle?”
He also underscored the government’s broader economic goals, stressing that enforcing fuel trade regulations aligns with President Mahama’s vision of economic recovery and national prosperity.
The NPA Chief Executive credited collaborative efforts between the NPA, National Security, and other state agencies for significantly reducing fuel supply leakages, such as export dumping.
In response, the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, assured the NPA of the region’s full support in tackling fuel-related illegalities.
“We stand ready to collaborate with the NPA to combat these unlawful activities,” he pledged, reinforcing the commitment of REGSEC to uphold regulatory standards.
The meeting was part of a three-day working tour by the NPA Chief Executive to the Bono and Ashanti regions. During the tour, Mr. Tameklo and his team visited key petroleum installations and paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Sunyani to seek traditional support in addressing fuel distribution challenges in the region.
