Technology will boost fight against oil scammers – NPA Boss

Hbadan Tampuli

Hbadan Tampuli, chief executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPC), said the Authority was exploring various options, particularly in the area of ​​technology, to limit the activities of fraudsters in the oil sector in the country. the country.

In February this year, the NPA confiscated oil products smuggled into the country, estimated at about 1 million GHC.

The regulator reported that a total of 28 BRVs, 6 canoes, 4 mobile pumps and 5 outboard motors carrying 709,250 liters of petroleum products illegally smuggled with a tax value and levies of 150 GHC were confiscated.

The arrest, carried out in collaboration with the security agencies, is part of the NPA's ongoing plans to deal with the fraudsters of the sector.

Speaking at the conference on the prevention of fuel fraud in London, Tampuli said he is optimistic that technology deployment projects will help block smuggling channels, by especially when existing tools have been helpful in solving the problem. of fuel theft.

"We intend to use more technologies, such as the use of flow meters in depots and fuel receiving facilities," he said. "We insist that if they do not get flow meters in these facilities, we will provide them and make sure that they work."

The conference, which brought together experts from the oil sector and security agencies from AFRICA, EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA and SOUTH AMERICA, aims to find ways to work together to fight smuggling and theft. cross-border petroleum.

Mr. Tampuli, who spoke at the event, said that Ghana was collaborating effectively with neighboring countries, such as Nigeria, but that much remained to be done to ensure that Cabal fuel operations are handled.

"Ghana has taken a stand to ruthlessly attack this problem, which has implications for tax revenues. We are convinced that the measures put in place and others that will be in the near future will help to minimize or even eliminate the threat, "he said.

Mr. Tampuli said the ongoing partnership with security agencies involved continued patrols on the east and west coasts and would facilitate the arrest of smugglers.

"GRA Customs monitors border movements and facilitates the confiscation of badets and the disposal of products," he said.

He also said that the government had enough political will to fight the activities of the oil smuggling gangs and warned that everything would be done to ensure that the activities of those who respect the rules are protected.