The Ghana Navy has confiscated 8 unregistered boats suspected of illegal fuel bunkering at New Takoradi and Poasi landing beaches.

The operation was conducted following intelligence that some unregistered boats were being used to facilitate the illegal transfer of fuel and petroleum products. 

In an interview, the Director of the Western Regional Fisheries Commission, Dr Charles Teye, said the boats were not fishing boats as they were not registered with the Fisheries Commission.

He noted that the boats were seized under Sections 53 and 54 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023, which requires a permit for vessel construction and operation. 

The Acting Branch Head, Ghana Maritime Authority-Takoradi, Mr Hudeen Daud Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the Ghana Navy for conducting the operation.

He stated that the Ghana Maritime Authority is committed to protecting Ghana’s maritime economy and the livelihoods of the citizens by collaborating with other agencies to secure maritime resources. 

Representatives from Maritime institutions, including the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Fisheries Commission, the National Petroleum Authority, and the Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service, inspected the boats to ensure transparency.

The boats have been towed to the Sekondi Naval Harbour for further investigation and action.

The operation was conducted by the Western Naval Command, Sekondi, with support from the 2nd Infantry Battalion.