Tanker driver remanded for stealing 13,800 litres premix fuel.

Tema, Jan. 18, GNA -- A petrol tanker driver who was made to cart premix fuel to Afram Plains, and diverted 13,800 litres pre-mix fuel valued at 46.5 million cedis has been remanded into custody by the Tema circuit court.

Kofi Obeng pleaded not guilty and will reappear on January 28, 2005. DSP Robert Aganiba, prosecuting told the court, presided over by Mr Stephen Teye that the accused was appointed as the head of drivers who saw to the carting of pre-mix fuel tanker drivers to serve fishermen in Afram Plains.

He said on February 28, 2004, while the chief fisherman who supervised the accused was away, he (accused) managed to collect 13,800 litres of pre-mix fuel valued at 46.5 million cedis from the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) under the pretext of sending it to the Afram Plains. DSP Aganiba said, accused ended up diverting the product to Accra, sold it and made use of the money.

He said a report was made to the police following complaints by the fishermen and accused was arrested.