The Ghana Navy has dismantled several illegal fuel bunkering operations along the Volta Region coastline, seizing large quantities of fuel and equipment during two intelligence-led operations conducted earlier this week.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, personnel from Naval Base Nutekpor carried out an anti-illegal bunkering operation on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, along the Abeliakorpe and Atokukorpe landing beaches in Aflao.
The coordinated raid, which lasted from 5:00 a.m. to 1:40 p.m., targeted multiple stash houses and makeshift structures used by suspected fuel smugglers.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 162 fuel-filled 25-litre gallons and 32 fuel-filled 200-litre barrels.
In a related operation on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Navy intercepted and seized seven modified canoes, locally known as “Dendes,” along the Keta–Denu–Aflao coastline. The canoes, which were specially adapted for illicit fuel bunkering at sea, contained 378 empty barrels intended for smuggling operations.
The statement said the suspects abandoned the canoes and fled upon sighting a Navy ship. The seized vessels were subsequently towed to the Tema Harbour for further action.
The Ghana Navy reiterated its commitment to securing the country’s maritime domain and protecting coastal communities from illegal activities. It also called on residents of coastal areas to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, stressing that public cooperation is crucial to safeguarding national security, marine biodiversity, and the sustainability of Ghana’s blue economy.
The statement was signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces.
