Western Naval command foils fuel bunkering operation at Sekondi harbour

The Western Naval Command (WNC) has intercepted an illegal fuel bunkering operation at the Sekondi Fishing Harbour, seizing 75 gallons of suspected diesel and arresting two individuals believed to be involved.

The intelligence-led operation took place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after the Command received information about a suspicious fuel transaction around 8:30 a.m. Commander Joshua MacSimpiney, the Command’s Operations Officer, led a team of operatives to the harbour, where they discovered the fuel being offloaded from a canoe. Both the canoe and the seized product were transported to the Naval Base in Sekondi for further examination.

Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, issued a stern warning to the public against engaging in fuel bunkering, stressing its dangers to national security, the environment, and the economy.

“Illegal bunkering undermines legitimate businesses, endangers lives at sea, and contributes to marine pollution with adverse effects on coastal and fishing communities,” Commodore Ayelazono cautioned.

He emphasized that such activities not only deprive the state of revenue but also compromise maritime safety and stability.

The Command has assured the public of its determination to intensify intelligence-driven operations to combat maritime crime. Commodore Ayelazono revealed that key stakeholders, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Division, Criminal Investigations Department (CID), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Marine Police, National Investigations Bureau, and National Security, were promptly informed and invited to participate in the ongoing investigation.

Samples of the seized fuel have been handed over to the NPA for forensic analysis to determine its composition and quality. Meanwhile, the two suspects have been transferred to the Marine Police for interrogation.

The Western Naval Command reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s maritime domain and enforcing laws governing fuel distribution and bunkering operations. Officials say the crackdown at Sekondi is part of a broader effort to secure the country’s waters against illegal activities that threaten livelihoods and national development.