At the Oil and Fuel Supply Chain Security Conference on how to prevent fuel fraud in London, Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA); Hassan Tampulidisclosed whereas fuel fraudsters continue to find devious ways to smuggle petroleum products into the system, his outfit and security agencies are counting on technology to beat them.
The NPA chief submitted: “We intend going forward to use more technology like the use of flow meters at the depots and fuel receiving facilities. We insist that if they don’t get the flow meters at those facilities, we will procure for them and ensure that they are working.”
“Ghana has taken a position to deal ruthlessly with the problem as it impacts on tax revenue. We are confident that the measures rolled out, and others to be rolled out shortly, will help minimize if not eradicate the menace,” he added.
Mr. Tampuli stated the collaboration with security agencies has yielded results in confiscation and disposal of products as GRA Customs monitors movement at the borders as well as the Eastern and Western coastlines.
It emerged the NPA in February this year impounded GH₵1 million worth of petroleum products smuggled into the country.
A breakdown showed six canoes, four mobile pumps, 28BRV and five outboard motors carrying 709,250 litres of illegally smuggled petroleum products with taxes and levies value of GH₵1,150,186 were impounded.
Michael Eli Dokosi/goldstreetbusiness.com