The Ghana Navy has executed two significant operations in the Volta Region, resulting in the confiscation of substantial amounts of fuel and equipment associated with illegal bunkering activities.
In a press release dated January 16, 2026, the Ghana Armed Forces announced that these operations were carried out by naval personnel from Naval Base Nutekpor as part of an intelligence-driven initiative to combat fuel smuggling along Ghana’s coastline.
As per the statement, the initial operation occurred on Tuesday, January 13, at the Abeliakorpe and Atokukorpe landing beaches in Aflao.
“On Tuesday, 13 January, a team of Ghana Navy personnel from Naval Base Nute kpor executed an intelligence-led anti-illegal bunkering operation,” the release stated.
The coordinated raid, which spanned from 5:00 am to 1:40 pm, focused on multiple stash houses and makeshift structures believed to be utilised by fuel smugglers.
“The operation led to the confiscation of 162 25-litre gallons and 32 200-litre barrels filled with fuel,” the statement further indicated.
In a subsequent follow-up operation two days later, the Navy intercepted several modified canoes suspected of being employed for fuel smuggling at sea.
“In a related operation on Thursday, January 15, the Ghana Navy once more apprehended seven modified, specially constructed canoes known as ‘Dendes’ suspected of illicit bunkering along the Keta–Denu–Aflao coastline,” the release noted.
Although the suspects managed to escape upon sighting a naval vessel, the Navy reported that the canoes were seized and towed away for further action.
“The seized canoes contained 378 empty barrels designed for the smuggling of fuel at sea,” the statement remarked. “The canoes were seized and transported to the Tema Harbour after the perpetrators fled upon noticing the Navy ship.”
The Ghana Navy reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime territory and urged coastal residents to assist in the fight against illegal activities.
“The Ghana Navy remains dedicated to its mission of securing the nation’s maritime domain,” the release said, urging coastal communities “to report suspicious activities, thereby protecting national security, marine biodiversity and the sustainability of the country’s blue economy”.
