Eight unregistered boats believed to be involved in illegal fuel bunkering activities at New Takoradi and Poasi landing beaches in the Western Region have been seized by the Ghana Navy.

According to a report by adomonline.com, the operation, carried out on March 31, 2026, followed intelligence reports indicating that some unregistered vessels were being used to facilitate the unlawful transfer of fuel and other petroleum products.

The report further added that the Director of the Western Regional Fisheries Commission, Dr Charles Teye, speaking after the exercise, clarified that the boats were not recognised as fishing vessels.

According to him, the seized boats were not registered with the Fisheries Commission and were, therefore, operating outside the legal framework.

He explained that the seizure was conducted under Sections 53 and 54 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, which require permits for the construction and operation of vessels.

The Acting Branch Head of the Ghana Maritime Authority in Takoradi, Hudeen Daud Ahmed, also commended the Ghana Navy for the operation.

He noted that the authority remains committed to safeguarding Ghana’s maritime space and protecting the livelihoods of citizens through collaboration with other institutions.

Officials from key maritime and regulatory bodies, including the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Fisheries Commission, the National Petroleum Authority, and the Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service, were present to inspect the seized boats as part of efforts to ensure transparency.

The vessels have since been towed to the Sekondi Naval Harbour for further investigations and possible legal action.

The operation was led by the Western Naval Command in Sekondi, with support from the 2nd Infantry Battalion.

VKB/AE