The Ghana Navy has successfully foiled a major illegal fuel bunkering operation, intercepting seven modified canoes suspected of illicit fuel bunkering during an intelligence-led maritime security patrol along the Keta-Denu-Aflao coastline in the Volta Region.
During a press briefing at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) on Thursday, 15 January 2026, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) ENC, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, outlined the details of the midnight operation conducted by Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) on Monday, 12 January 2026. He noted that the specially built canoes, locally known as "Dendes", contained about 378 empty barrels, clearly engineered for the smuggling of fuel at sea, which emphasises their role in illicit activities.
Commodore Asiedu-Larbi praised the naval crew for their professionalism and vigilance, reiterating the Ghana Navy's steadfast commitment to combating illegal fuel bunkering, as well as other threats such as unlawful fishing, smuggling, and transnational maritime crimes. Additionally, he disclosed that under the guidance of the Chief of the Naval Staff, additional maritime assets are being deployed to enhance surveillance and rapid response in the Eastern Corridor.
ENC's Command Operations Officer, Commander James Dzigbordzi Agrah, elaborated on the incident, explaining that the specially built canoes were seized and towed to the harbour after the perpetrators fled upon spotting the Navy Ship. He described the typical tactics of fuel bunkering syndicates, where larger "mother vessels" at sea offload stolen fuel to smaller canoes for smuggling to coastal landing sites. This activity results in substantial revenue losses through tax evasion, contaminates markets with adulterated fuel, and causes environmental pollution from spills that endanger marine ecosystems and fish populations.
The FOC announced strengthened initiatives, including intensified community awareness programs, the use of unmanned aerial systems, and deeper collaboration with maritime stakeholders to dismantle these criminal networks.
The Ghana Navy remains dedicated to its mission of securing the nation's maritime domain and urges coastal communities to report suspicious activities, thereby protecting national security, marine biodiversity, and the sustainability of Ghana's blue economy.
