the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Mark Kofi Wayongo has banned the sale of fuel after 1900GMT in the Upper East Region to persons carrying jerrycans and bottles. He says failure of fuel stations to comply with the new directive will result in the closure of the particular station. The buyer of the fuel will also be arrested. The Minister made the comments at a meeting with fuel station managers in that region. As part of the measures to curb the siphoning of fuel to neighbouring countries, security men will also be detailed to all fuel stations to monitor the sale and patronage of fuel. Mr. Wayongo noted that the decision was taken at a meeting with the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC). The Upper East Region like many other regions has been hit by recent fuel shortages which the Minister suspects is as a result of smuggling. Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News, the minister also hinted no fuel station in the region will be allowed to sell without the necessary certification and documentation. The measure will take effect in April. He noted that his outfit is currently on a crusade to “sensitize” the population in the region and to caution the fuel station managers to be on the look out for persons buying with the banned material. He said in order to ensure the success of the directive some incentives had been put in place. He noted that any individual who was able to blow the whistle persons engaging in the illegality would receive monetary compensation from the sale of the siphoned fuel. He noted however that only one gallon of fuel could be bought during the day in jerrycans and bottles. When Citi News spoke to some commercial drivers in the Region, opinions were divided on the matter. While some were in support of the Ministers directive and were prepared to comply with it others spoke out against with some asking whether in time when they were stranded they will be expected to park their cars in the bushes. By: citifmonlione.com