Accra Circuit Court Remands Alhassan Amidu, Francis Owusu Over GH¢932,040 Fuel Theft

• Two individuals accused of stealing GH¢932,040 worth of fuel and setting fire to the tanker have been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court.
• The prosecution alleges that the two conspired to sell the fuel before setting fire to the tanker, with the driver's mate allegedly drilling into the compartment seal to gain access to the fuel.
• The accused persons have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and theft, and investigations are continuing; they are expected to reappear before the court on August 31, 2026.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for fuel transportation companies to take extra precautions to prevent tampering with tanker seals and to investigate suspicious incidents promptly.

The recent remand of two individuals accused of stealing GH¢932,040 worth of fuel and setting fire to the tanker has highlighted a growing concern in the transportation industry. The incident, which occurred on a stretch of road between Kawakpe and Gurupe while traveling towards Buipe, is believed to be an attempt by the accused persons to make the theft appear as an accident. According to the prosecution, the two conspired to sell the fuel before setting fire to the tanker, with the driver's mate allegedly drilling into the compartment seal to gain access to the fuel. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for fuel transportation companies to take extra precautions to prevent tampering with tanker seals and to investigate suspicious incidents promptly.

The two accused persons, Alhassan Amidu and Francis Owusu, have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime, namely stealing and causing damage. They have also been charged with stealing and causing damage, which carries significant penalties under Ghanaian law. The prosecution's case relies heavily on the testimony of Emmanuel Narh, the owner of J.K. Narh Transport, who reported the incident to the police after suspecting foul play. The court has heard that the accused persons admitted in their caution statements to tampering with the tanker's compartment seal during investigations.

The implications of this case extend beyond the accused individuals and reach into the heart of the fuel transportation industry. Lawyers advising clients on fuel transportation contracts should be aware of the potential for tampering with tanker seals and the need to investigate suspicious incidents promptly. This incident serves as a warning to companies to take extra precautions to prevent theft and ensure that their drivers are not involved in any illicit activities. The case also highlights the importance of having robust security measures in place to prevent fuel theft and protect against losses.

Lawyers advising clients on fuel transportation contracts should be aware of the potential for tampering with tanker seals and the need to investigate suspicious incidents promptly.

Source: Original reporting via GNA