GIS intercepts smuggled petroleum products

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Akanu in the Volta region has impounded a caravan loaded with about 150 ‘Kufuor gallons’ of diesel, suspected to be stolen from Libya and transported via the high seas to some parts of West Africa.

The products in the blue Ford caravan with registration number AS 4077 U was believed to be from Nigeria.

Akanu Sector Commander, Chief Superintendent Attoprah Godson told Starrfm.com.gh the vehicle carrying the products was intercepted around 4:30 am of Saturday 6 July by a three-member patrol team between Zukpe and Gali Dzafe within the Ketu North District of the region.

Starrfm.com.gh understands the products upon arrival in Togo were smuggled into Ghana through unapproved routes, avoiding security checkpoints and joined the main urban road before the arrest.

The leader of the three-member team, Inspector Samuel Ampofo said the team spotted the vehicle being led by a man on a motorcycle but both the driver and the motor rider fled when they sensed the presence of the team.

Inspector Ampofo said smuggling of fuel into Ghana through Togo is common. “It has stopped for some time now so it’s unfortunate that it is now rising.”

Illegally imported petroleum products are priced lower for consumers, selling at Ghc3.80 pesewas per litre against the national price which is about Ghc5.50pesewas

The Volta Regional Commander of the GIS, Peter Cleaver Nantuo Esq who led a team of reporters to Akanu after the interception said, he had an intelligence that “a petroleum product, especially from Togolese side, was coming into the country so I alerted all my men to intensify patrol especially on unapproved routes, low and behold this is one outcome of the positive efforts of my men.”

He said GIS is ready to combat any illegal activities that will drain the country of its security and economic developments and called on border residents to “count on them and deliver such information to us, we will not sell them out because if Ghana is good it is good for us all.”

He called for enhanced collaboration among Ghana’s security agencies across the country to help sustain the country’s economy and security. He said the Service will do the necessary works and will later hand over the car and the product to the Customs Division.

Akanu Sector is the second largest entry point to Ghana after Aflao in the Volta region, it stretches from Afegame to Pillar 15 within the Ketu North District with a total number of 165 officers and 25 patrolmen.