Godwin Kudzo Tameklo warns against siphoning fuel from overturned tankers

The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, has issued a stern warning to Ghanaians to stay away from overturned fuel tankers to prevent avoidable fatalities. Speaking during the 2026 NPA Consumer Week celebration in Kasoa on November 5, Mr. Tameklo expressed deep concern over the dangerous practice of siphoning or "scooping" fuel from accident scenes. He emphasized that while spilled petroleum products and damaged vehicles represent a financial loss that can be replaced, the loss of human life is irreversible.

The event, which brought together community leaders, residents, and schoolchildren, served as a platform for the NPA to intensify its "Stay Back, Stay Safe" public safety campaign. Mr. Tameklo urged the public to resist the temptation of gathering at accident sites to collect fuel, noting that such environments are highly volatile and prone to sudden explosions. He highlighted that his "biggest fear" remains the potential for mass casualties that occur when civilians ignore safety protocols and rush toward crashed tankers.

To ensure public safety, the NPA boss called on citizens to allow trained professionals, including the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service, to manage tanker-related emergencies. He stressed that community responsibility is crucial in preventing disasters, as local residents are often the first on the scene. Beyond the warnings against siphoning, the Consumer Week activities included safety demonstrations and cultural performances designed to educate the Kasoa community on responsible and safe petroleum consumption.

Looking ahead, Mr. Tameklo announced several initiatives aimed at strengthening consumer protection and safety across the country. These include the establishment of more regional offices to bring the authority's services closer to the people and the introduction of improved procedures for handling consumer complaints. The NPA plans to extend these education and engagement programs to other regions, ensuring that the message of petroleum safety reaches all corners of Ghana to minimize the risks associated with the distribution of petroleum products.