By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, New Takoradi
The Western Naval Command in Sekondi, with support from the Second Infantry Battalion in Takoradi, has seized eight unregistered boats in an operation at the coastal community of New Takoradi.
The vessels are suspected to have been used for illegal fuel bunkering activities along the New Takoradi and Poasi landing beaches.
Sources indicate that the boats were facilitating the unlawful transfer of fuel and other petroleum products, raising concerns over maritime security and environmental safety.
Speaking after the operation, the Western Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Dr. Charles Teye, stated that the seized boats were not recognised as fishing vessels.
He explained that none of the vessels had been registered with the Commission and were therefore operating outside the legal framework.
He noted that the exercise was carried out in accordance with Sections 53 and 54 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, which mandate permits for the construction and operation of such vessels.
The Acting Branch Head of the Ghana Maritime Authority in Takoradi, Hudeen Daud Ahmed, commended the Ghana Navy for the successful operation.
He reiterated the Authority’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s maritime space and safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities through sustained collaboration with key stakeholders.
Officials from the Ghana Maritime Authority, Fisheries Commission, National Petroleum Authority and the Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service were present to inspect the seized boats to ensure transparency in the process.
The vessels have been transported to the Sekondi Naval Base for further investigations and potential legal action.
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