The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has warned people against siphoning fuel from tankers involved in road accidents, describing the practice as theft and a serious threat to public safety.

He has urged members of the public to stay away from accident scenes involving petroleum tankers instead of rushing there with containers to collect spilled fuel.

According to the NPA boss, taking fuel from an accident-involved tanker without authorisation is a criminal offence, even when the petroleum product has spilled onto the road.

His warning comes amid concerns about people who gather around overturned tankers to collect fuel, sometimes attempting to puncture the vehicles to access the remaining petroleum products.

Fuel siphoning is a criminal offence

Mr Tameklo has stressed that people who divert petroleum products from tankers involved in accidents could face arrest and prosecution.

Speaking before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee in October 2026, he explained that taking fuel from such vehicles amounts to stealing and should not be treated as an opportunity to obtain free petroleum products.

He cited legal provisions under which a person convicted of unlawfully diverting petroleum products could face a fine, imprisonment or both.

The NPA has also indicated that it is working with the Ghana Police Service to identify and prosecute people involved in fuel theft at tanker accident scenes.

NPA warns of deadly explosions

Beyond the legal consequences, the NPA says fuel siphoning exposes individuals and entire communities to serious danger.

Petroleum products such as petrol are highly flammable. Attempts to puncture tanker compartments, handle spilled fuel or gather close to damaged vehicles can create conditions for fires and explosions.

The danger is particularly serious when people use tools or other equipment that could generate sparks around leaking fuel.

The Authority has repeatedly warned that a single spark could trigger a major explosion, resulting in deaths, injuries and destruction of property.

Public urged to stay away from accident scenes

As part of its public education efforts, the NPA has introduced the Stay Back, Stay Safe campaign to discourage people from approaching fuel tankers involved in road accidents.

The campaign encourages members of the public to allow trained emergency responders to manage such incidents.

People who witness tanker accidents are advised to alert the Ghana National Fire Service, the Police and other relevant emergency agencies rather than attempting to collect fuel.

The NPA says protecting human lives must take priority over any perceived opportunity to obtain spilled petroleum products.

The Authority continues to work with security agencies and industry stakeholders to improve public awareness, strengthen enforcement and prevent avoidable tragedies at tanker accident scenes.

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