The Ghana Maritime Authority has secured a court order to impound wooden boats dealing in illegal fuel trade in parts of the Central and Western regions, Director General of the Authority, Thomas Kofi Alonsi has confirmed.
According to Mr Alonsi, the arrest and subsequent seizure of the wooden boats was successful after the authority was given a tip of the illegality.
“Recently, scrupulous members have provided their own huge wooden boats (locally called dende) that tend to meet huge tankers from high seas where the fuel is transferred into their wooden boats and for onward allocation to others”.
He said such illegal trading activities have over the years deprived the National Petroleum Authority and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority huge taxes which could have been used by government to develop the country.
“Monies that are supposed to be assigned to MPA, GRA are denied as a result the government is incurring great loss. Recently, a great ship was caught in the act and was fined by the MPA leaders and later was handed over to GRA who also fined them about 90, 000 Cedis,” he said.
Mr Alonsi indicated that the Authority will continue to strengthen its regulatory roles to ensure that all those engaged in such dubious activities are made to face the law.
He added “Individuals who have interest in selling this fuel must first get a letter of approval. Individual members that own ships must first register and also get approval for any transfers”.
The Ghana Maritime Authority is responsible for the enforcement of safety measures to regulate shipping and navigation on the inland waterways in Ghana. The Authority also conducts Surveys and inspection of boats that are used on the Volta Lake in order to eliminate the use of substandard boats. The marine surveyors also mark boats and assign load lines to establish the maximum loading capacities for safe operations. The Authority also organises training programmes for boat operators and outboard motor mechanics in order to improve their competencies and enhance safety of transportation.
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SOURCE: ENOCH ACHEAMPONG/ATLFMNEWS
