NPA Warns Against Fuel Siphoning at Tanker Accident Scenes
Regulator partners police to track and prosecute offenders amid rising safety concerns
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has issued a strong warning to individuals who rush to fuel tanker accident scenes to siphon petroleum products.
He revealed that the Authority is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service to identify and arrest persons captured in videos engaging in the illegal act.
Mr Tameklo described the practice as both criminal and highly dangerous, noting that attempts to puncture fuel tankers can easily trigger explosions with fatal consequences.
He made the remarks on April 22 when Parliament’s Energy Committee paid a monitoring visit to the NPA in Accra.
“Whenever there are tanker accidents, people move with gallons to siphon fuel, which is bare-faced stealing. The moment you try to puncture a tanker, ignition can occur, and the next thing is an explosion,” he warned.
He further appealed to the media to support public education on the dangers, urging citizens to stay away from accident scenes instead of attempting to collect fuel.
The NPA boss also disclosed that authorities have identified groups involved in such activities, particularly along the stretch between Nsawam and Kumasi, and are working with police to monitor and apprehend suspects.
He stressed that anyone found engaging in fuel siphoning will face arrest and prosecution as part of efforts to curb the practice and protect lives.
