Ghana NPA Boss: Fuel Tanker Theft Law Means Prison, Fines

• NPA CEO Edudzi Tamakloe has declared that siphoning fuel from accident tankers is legally considered stealing.
• The act is not an innocent rush but a theft of petroleum products, carrying severe legal penalties.
• Offenders face fines between 2,500 and 5,000 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 to 5 years, or both for petroleum product diversion.
• The NPA has launched the 'Stay Back, Stay Safe' campaign to educate the public on the dangers and deter fuel siphoning.
• Existing tanker sensors track movement and measure freight but do not provide immediate accident alerts to emergency services.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Tamakloe, has unequivocally declared that the act of collecting fuel from accident-involved tankers constitutes stealing, an offense punishable by law.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Tamakloe, has unequivocally declared that the act of collecting fuel from accident-involved tankers constitutes stealing, an offense punishable by law. This clarification came during his appearance before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, October 15, where he emphasized that such actions should not be perceived as an innocent attempt to capitalize on an unfortunate event, but rather as the illicit appropriation of petroleum products.

Mr. Tamakloe underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that what is often described as a 'rush for fuel' is, in fact, theft. This firm stance by the Ghana NPA boss on fuel tanker theft law aims to reframe public perception and highlight the criminal nature of siphoning fuel from damaged vehicles. His comments serve as a critical directive for both the public and legal practitioners regarding the legal classification of such incidents.

The legal consequences for engaging in such activities are severe, as outlined by Mr. Tamakloe. He specified that any individual found to be diverting petroleum products commits an offense that carries substantial penalties. Upon summary conviction, offenders face a fine ranging from a minimum of 2,500 penalty units to a maximum of 5,000 penalty units.

Alternatively, or in addition to a fine, a term of imprisonment of not less than two years and up to five years can be imposed. This robust Ghana petroleum product diversion offence framework underscores the state's commitment to protecting petroleum resources and deterring illegal activities. The Edudzi Tamakloe fuel siphoning penalty pronouncement serves as a stark warning about the legal repercussions of interfering with petroleum products, especially in accident scenarios.

In response to the persistent issue of people gathering at accident sites to siphon fuel, the NPA has initiated a public education campaign titled “Stay Back, Stay Safe.” This campaign is designed to actively discourage individuals from approaching tankers involved in accidents, thereby preventing the dangerous practice of fuel siphoning. The National Petroleum Authority Ghana statement on public safety highlights the inherent risks associated with highly flammable petroleum products.

Mr. Tamakloe warned of the potentially devastating consequences when crowds gather around compromised tankers, emphasizing the extreme danger posed by such volatile substances. The campaign aims to educate the public about these hazards and the severe accident tanker fuel stealing punishment, promoting a culture of safety and compliance rather than opportunistic theft.

Concerns were raised regarding the implementation of systems to alert emergency services promptly when fuel tankers are involved in accidents, which would enable police, fire, and ambulance teams to respond swiftly and prevent public interference. In addressing these concerns, Mr. Tamakloe clarified the current functionality of sensors fitted to these vehicles.

He explained that these sensors are primarily activated when a tanker is in motion and cease operation when the vehicle comes to a halt. The system's main purpose is to allow the Authority to accurately measure the freight payable and track the movement of the vehicles, rather than providing immediate alerts for accident situations. This operational detail clarifies the existing technological capabilities and their primary function within the petroleum logistics chain.

Lawyers should advise clients, particularly those in the petroleum and logistics sectors, on the explicit legal classification of siphoning fuel from accident tankers as stealing, carrying severe penalties including fines and imprisonment, as clarified by the NPA. Compliance officers must ensure internal policies and public awareness campaigns align with this directive to mitigate legal risks and promote safety.

Source: Reporting based on a recent statement from the National Petroleum Authority.