FOC WNC ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS FOLLOWING ILLEGAL FUEL BUNKERING INTERCEPTION

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Commodore Stephen Billins Nyam, engaged stakeholders following the interception of an illegal fuel bunkering activity at the New Takoradi Landing Site on Wednesday 7 October 2026. The stakeholders included representatives from the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Marine Police, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The activity involved the use of locally manufactured boats, popularly known as “Adende,” to facilitate the illegal transportation and handling of fuel at the landing site. The interception brought to the fore concerns over the use of the landing site for activities that could compromise maritime security, public safety, and the regulated distribution of petroleum products.

Addressing stakeholders after the interception, the FOC expressed concern over the emerging trend and cautioned individuals involved in the illegal movement and handling of fuel to desist from such activities.

He stressed that the use of locally manufactured boats such as the Adende for illegal fuel operations presented significant safety and security risks, particularly where fuel was transported, transferred or stored without the required regulatory safeguards.

Commodore Nyam emphasised that the fight against illegal fuel bunkering required close cooperation between the security agencies, relevant regulatory institutions, landing-site authorities and the local community. He further cautioned individuals who engage in such illegal activities that the Ghana Navy, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, would continue to enforce the laws governing Ghana's maritime domain.

He called for greater cooperation and information sharing between the security agencies and stakeholders, stressing that early reporting of suspicious activities would assist the authorities in preventing illegal operations before they escalate.

Story by: Enoch TN Opata

Pictures by: AC1 Ankomah Robert Peters