8 unregistered boats seized in major anti-bunkering operation by Western Naval Command

The Western Naval Command (WNC) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal maritime activities by confiscating eight unregistered boats suspected of being used for fuel bunkering at Poase and New Takoradi. The operation forms part of a broader crackdown aimed at enforcing maritime regulations and safeguarding Ghana’s coastal resources.

The exercise, code-named “Operation Don’t Complain,” was conducted by naval personnel following credible intelligence indicating that unregistered vessels were actively being used for illicit fuel bunkering operations in the Poase area of New Takoradi. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, naval forces moved into the area and seized the vessels.

Authorities confirmed that the operation was carried out in line with Sections 53 and 54 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, Act 1146. This legislation mandates that any individual or organization intending to construct or operate a fishing vessel must first obtain authorization from the Fisheries Commission. The law serves as a critical framework for regulating vessel construction and monitoring maritime activities within Ghana’s territorial waters.

According to naval officials, the confiscated boats had been constructed and operated without the necessary permits, making them illegal under Ghanaian law. The vessels were subsequently seized and transported to a naval base for further investigation and processing.

In a move to ensure transparency and strengthen collaboration among regulatory bodies, the Western Naval Command invited key stakeholders in the maritime sector to inspect the seized boats. These included representatives from the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the Maritime Police Unit, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the Fisheries Commission.

The Western Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Dr. Charles Teye, used the opportunity to educate local fishing communities on the proper procedures for constructing and operating fishing vessels. After inspecting the seized boats, he noted that they lacked essential fishing equipment, raising doubts about their intended use.

He explained that under Act 1146, all fishing vessels must be registered and approved before operation. Based on his assessment, the seized boats did not qualify as fishing canoes, suggesting that they were likely being used for purposes outside legitimate fishing activities. He emphasized that determining their exact use now falls within the jurisdiction of maritime authorities.

Dr. Teye further advised fisherfolk to strictly adhere to legal requirements by consulting the Fisheries Commission before constructing any fishing vessel. He added that individuals intending to use boats for non-fishing purposes must seek clearance from the appropriate maritime authorities to avoid legal consequences.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Acting Branch Head of the Ghana Maritime Authority in Takoradi, Hudeen Said Ahmed, described the seized vessels as “floating objects” that must be properly registered and accounted for within Ghana’s waters.

He highlighted growing concerns about the rise in illegal fuel bunkering, noting that unregistered vessels are often linked to such activities. According to him, any unidentified floating object found in Ghana’s maritime domain is subject to scrutiny, particularly in light of the increasing threat illegal bunkering poses to the economy, marine environment, and livelihoods of coastal communities.

The Western Naval Command reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing maritime laws and collaborating with relevant agencies to clamp down on illegal operations at sea. Authorities stressed that such coordinated efforts are essential to protecting Ghana’s marine resources and ensuring compliance with established regulations.

The Command also assured the public that similar operations will continue as part of sustained measures to deter illegal activities and maintain security within the country’s maritime domain.