2 weeks ago
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The Akanu Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Volta Region has intercepted 54 jerry cans of petroleum products been smuggled into neighbouring Togo.
The GIS personnel on a routine patrol near the Kpoglo Border Post in Kopeyia, discovered the fuel (25-litre per jerry can) on a Togolese truck registration number TG 9378 AQ.
The operation was led by Inspector Ebenezer Asa-Appiah, Assistant Inspector Israel Gidisu, and ICO Benjamin Prah.
A press statement issued by the GIS, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACO) Michael Amoako-Atta, and copied to Ghanaian Times in Accra, yesterday, said the seized items were tested by officials of the National Petroleum Authority in Ho, to verify the fuel content.
The GIS has warned resident of border communities and the general public about the legal repercussions of engaging in smuggling of fuel.
“Residents are cautioned that the Service is on a heightened border patrols along the borders, especially the unapproved ones, and anyone caught engaged in cross border crimes will be made to face the full rigors of the law,” the statement cautioned.
ACO Amoako-Attah, who is Head of Public Affairs, GIS, assured that authorities were increasing patrols along the borders, particularly at unapproved crossing points, to deter further illegal activities.
The statement urged community members to cooperate with the GIS and adhere to the laws of Ghana, reinforcing that anyone caught engaging in cross-border crimes will face the full weight of the law.
It said: “The interception highlights ongoing concerns regarding cross-border smuggling, which poses economic risks to Ghana as well as a reminder of the continuous efforts by the Ghana Immigration Service to protect the country’s economic interests and ensure the enforcement of border regulations.”
It is recalled, the GIS earlier in September this year intercepted 45 gallons of petrol being smuggled in similar manner into Togo.
The operation comes in the wake of a recent directive from the Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Kwame Asuah Takyi, who instructed all border commanders to intensify patrols as part of efforts to secure Ghana’s borders in light of growing threats of terrorism and cross-border crimes.
The statement indicated that the seized fuel has been handed over to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) as investigations continue to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling operation.
BY TIMES REPORTER
