The Western Naval Command (WNC) has seized 75 gallons of suspected diesel fuel during an intelligence-led operation at the Sekondi Fishing Harbour on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
The operation followed intelligence received by the Command at about 0830 hours regarding an ongoing fuel transaction at the harbour. Acting swiftly on the information, the Command Operations Officer, Commander Joshua MacSimpiney, led a team of operatives to the scene to investigate.
On arrival, the team found the suspected fuel being offloaded from a canoe. The products were immediately seized and together with the canoe brought to the Naval Base in Sekondi.
Two suspects are assisting with investigations.
In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, cautioned the public against engaging in illegal fuel bunkering activities, noting that such acts pose serious threats to maritime security, the environment, and national revenue.
He explained that illegal bunkering undermines legitimate businesses, endangers lives at sea, and contributes to marine pollution with adverse effects on coastal and fishing communities.
The FOC further assured the public of the Command’s resolve to intensify intelligence-led operations to curb all forms of maritime crime within its area of responsibility.
He mentioned that all relevant stakeholders, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Division, Criminal Investigations Department (CID), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Marine Police, the National Investigations Bureau, and National Security, were duly informed and invited to the Base.
Samples of the seized product were taken by the NPA for forensic analysis to ascertain its composition and quality as part of ongoing investigations.
The two suspects were released to the marine police for further interrogation.
The Western Naval Command has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s maritime domain and enforcing laws governing fuel distribution and bunkering operations.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
