A team of Ghana Navy personnel from Naval Base Nutekpor has seized large quantities of fuel during an intelligence-led operation targeting illegal bunkering activities in the Volta Region.

The operation, conducted along the Abeliakorpe and Atokukorpe landing beaches in Aflao, led to the discovery of 162 fuel gallons of 25 litres each and 32 barrels of 200 litres each, hidden in stash houses and makeshift structures.

The exercise took place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, between 5:00am and 1:40pm, according to a statement from the Ghana Navy.

In a related operation two days later, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, naval personnel intercepted seven modified canoes, locally referred to as “Dendes”, suspected to be used for fuel smuggling along the Keta–Denu–Aflao stretch of the coastline.

The canoes were found to contain 378 empty barrels specially designed for transporting fuel at sea. The suspects fled upon sighting the naval vessel, after which the canoes were seized and towed to the Tema Harbour.

The Ghana Navy has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s maritime space and called on residents in coastal communities to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities to support national security and safeguard the country’s marine resources.