Koforidua: Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has called for collaboration from security agencies to implement a 24-hour economy at fuel stations across the country. Speaking at a special meeting with the Eastern Regional Minister, regional security heads, and key stakeholders at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Koforidua, Mr. Tameklo emphasized the importance of strict regulation and enforcement to protect the petroleum downstream industry from criminal activities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the petroleum sector is highly susceptible to criminal activities, including fuel smuggling, illegal siphoning, and fraudulent transactions. Mr. Tameklo noted that fuel is a legitimate but highly valuable commodity, making it a target for illicit activities. "We will need the active involvement of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), alongside the NPA's intelligence unit and other security agencies like the Police, Customs, and Fire Service to combat all forms of fuel-related crimes," he said.
Mr. Tameklo hinted at NPA's future plans to take security agencies through specialized training programs to enhance their capacity in tackling petroleum-related offenses. He indicated that the government's plan to roll out a 24-hour economy could only be successful if the security and safety of consumers and petroleum workers were assured. "Petroleum is a hazardous product, and we cannot afford to overlook safety concerns. NPA will work closely with the Fire Service and other security agencies to ensure the highest levels of safety and security," he emphasized.
His call for security collaboration was crucial, given the vulnerability in some filling stations during the night. Earlier this month, it was reported that masked armed robbers attacked the Kansaworodo branch of the Total fuel station in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region at dawn. Fortunately, the keys to the safe were with the manager, who was not at the premises at the time of the incident, preventing the robbers from getting their booty.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Ms. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC). She assured the Authority of her full cooperation in ensuring that the NPA's efforts to ensure safety and compliance with regulations in the petroleum sector are successful in the Eastern Region. She also proposed that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) should be integrated into the NPA's operations across all regions to strengthen security and enhance collaboration and commended the NPA's commitment to consumer protection and regulatory enforcement.
