Ghana: NPA Warns Against Siphoning Fuel From Crashed Tankers

Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has warned the public against rushing to siphon fuel from tankers involved in crashes, saying an explosion could kill or seriously injure those who gather at the scene.

NPA Chief Executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo said on Thursday that siphoning fuel from crashed tankers was illegal and that offenders could face prosecution.

Tameklo spoke at the closing ceremony of the NPA’s 2026 Consumer Week at Kasoa Ofaakor Park in the Central Region. The theme was “Safe Downstream, Confident Consumers.”

In a keynote address delivered on his behalf, Energy and Green Transition Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor said consumers had faced a difficult year at the pumps.

He attributed higher fuel costs to conflict in the Middle East, disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and a slightly weaker cedi in the third quarter.

Jinapor said the government covered GH¢2 of the cost of each litre of diesel in August and extended the relief into September. When prices looked set to rise sharply in October, Tema Oil Refinery and Sentuo Oil continued to supply fuel marketers at the previous prices, he said.

Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the member of parliament for Awutu Senya East, said the petroleum industry had to put safety first to earn consumers’ confidence.

Ghanaian music duo DopeNation and gospel musician Perez Muzik performed at the ceremony, which also featured a dance competition for students.