The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted 45 jerrycans of petrol intended for smuggling into Togo. The operation, led by Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Richmond Wuntah Awuni from the Aflao Sector Command, was based on intelligence gathered during routine patrols at an unapproved route near Pillar 12.
Although no arrests were made, the Head of Public Affairs at the GIS, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Michael Amoako-Atta, stated that this interception aligns with a directive from Comptroller-General of Immigration Kwame Asuah Takyi.
The directive called for heightened border patrols to safeguard against terrorist threats and cross-border crimes.
The patrol team discovered the jerrycans hidden in an unfinished building, likely prepared for nighttime transportation.
The seized fuel has since been handed over to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the GIS team continues its surveillance to apprehend the smugglers involved.
Border residents were also cautioned against allowing their facilities to be used for illegal activities that could compromise national security.
Fuel smuggling has been a persistent issue in Ghana’s petroleum supply chain, affecting both bulk distribution companies and consumers.
In response, the NPA and state security agencies have intensified efforts to combat fuel smuggling in border towns, particularly in the Upper East and Volta regions, through regular crackdowns at known smuggling hotspots.
Source – graphic.com.gh
