The Ghana Navy has carried out two major operations in the Volta Region, leading to the seizure of large quantities of fuel and equipment linked to illegal bunkering activities.

In a press release issued on Friday, January 16, the Ghana Armed Forces said the operations were conducted by naval personnel from Naval Base Nute kpor as part of an intelligence-led effort to combat fuel smuggling along Ghana’s coastline.

According to the statement, the first operation took place on Tuesday, January 13, along the Abeliakorpe and Atokukorpe landing beaches in Aflao.

“On Tuesday, 13 January, a team of Ghana Navy personnel from Naval Base Nute kpor conducted an intelligence-led anti-illegal bunkering operation,” the release said.

The coordinated raid, which lasted from 5:00am to 1:40pm, targeted several stash houses and makeshift structures suspected to be used by fuel smugglers.

“The operation resulted in the seizure of 162 25-litre gallons and 32 200-litre barrels filled with fuel,” the statement added.

In a related follow-up operation two days later, the Navy intercepted several modified canoes suspected to be used for fuel smuggling at sea.

“In a related operation on Thursday, January 15, the Ghana Navy again accosted seven modified, specially built canoes known as ‘Dendes’ suspected of illicit bunkering along the Keta–Denu–Aflao coastline,” the release said.

Although the suspects managed to flee after spotting a naval vessel, the Navy said the canoes were seized and towed away for further action.

“The seized canoes contained 378 empty barrels engineered for smuggling of fuel at sea,” the statement noted. “The canoes were seized and towed to the Tema Harbour after the perpetrators fled upon spotting the Navy ship.”

The Ghana Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s maritime space and called on coastal residents to support the fight against illegal activities.

“The Ghana Navy remains dedicated to its mission of securing the nation’s maritime domain,” the release said, urging coastal communities “to report suspicious activities, thereby protecting national security, marine biodiversity and the sustainability of the country’s blue economy.”