The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has embarked on an exercise across the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions to educate and caution individuals engaging in unsafe fuel and gas trading activities.

The NPA briefed the media on the ongoing operation, stressing that failure to address such practices could pose serious dangers to Ghanaians in the long run.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Joseph Kwame Gyan, Bono Regional Manager of the NPA, revealed that the authority has observed some individuals selling petrol on tabletops, a practice he described as highly dangerous and risky. According to him, the manner in which the fuel is transported and stored does not meet safety standards, thereby putting both sellers and the general public at risk.

He disclosed that the exercise has already commenced in Dormaa, where some items have been confiscated and several individuals arrested for allegedly smuggling gas from Côte d’Ivoire into Ghana. Some traders, he noted, falsely claim that gas from Côte d’Ivoire is better than Ghanaian gas, which he said is untrue.

Mr. Gyan emphasized that the NPA has not authorized anyone to engage in such illegal activities. He added that the authority is currently collaborating with security agencies in a joint operation to clamp down on the practice.

He further noted that the illegal tabletop fuel business is common in Jaman North, Jaman South, Dormaa, and surrounding communities. He therefore warned all persons involved to desist from the activity or face legal action.

Sompaonline.com/Nana Agyemang Opambour