Accra:The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is intensifying efforts to prosecute individuals involved in siphoning fuel from tanker accident scenes. Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, the NPA's Chief Executive Officer, revealed that the Chief Justice has designated a specific court to handle petroleum-related offences, highlighting the authority's commitment to tackling this issue.
According to Ghana Web, the announcement was made when Mr. Tamakloe appeared before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The committee, led by chairperson Abena Osei-Asare, expressed concerns about the recurring incidents where people rush to collect spilled fuel at accident sites. Mr. Tamakloe responded by stating that siphoning and diverting petroleum products are criminal acts, and emphasized the NPA's dedication to ensuring offenders face legal consequences.
Mr. Tamakloe explained that he had personally approached Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to request the establishment of a specialized court for the downstream petroleum sector. The Achimota Court has now been designated for this purpose, aiming to more effectively handle industry-specific offences and enhance enforcement against violators.
The dangers associated with fuel siphoning, such as potential fires and explosions, were also discussed. Mr. Tamakloe outlined the NPA's monitoring strategies, which include technological systems to track petroleum tankers. These systems monitor vehicles from departure to destination, with mechanisms in place to detect tampering with seals or tracking devices.
Mr. Tamakloe highlighted the legal framework under Legislative Instrument (LI) 2251, which penalizes the diversion of petroleum products. Offenders may face fines, imprisonment, or both upon conviction. He assured the PAC of the NPA's ongoing efforts to sanction violators, stressing the importance of these penalties as a revenue source for the authority.
The initiative to strengthen prosecutions comes amid growing concerns about fuel siphoning and the need for strict enforcement of laws regarding petroleum product handling and transportation.