The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has called for swift regulatory steps from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to stop fuel supply to illegal mining operations nationwide.
In a petition sent to the Authority’s Chief Executive, Edudzi Tamakloe Esq., recently, the Coalition Against Galamsey listed several measures it wants enforced to choke what it calls the “lifeblood” of illegal mining.
Key among the requests is a push for the NPA to run data-based audits to monitor fuel sales and flag filling stations in mining hotspots with unusually high volumes against the number of registered vehicles there.
The group insists such audit reports must be made public.The coalition is also pressing the Authority to cancel the licences of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) found supplying fuel to illegal miners, and to place a lifetime ban on directors of offending firms from working in the downstream petroleum sector.
It further wants those persons reported to the Attorney-General for prosecution.“We demand that the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) exercises its regulatory power to cut off the “lifeblood” of illegal mining operations by implementing the following immediate actions: Conduct Data-Driven Audits to Identify Anomalies: We demand the NPA use its data systems to track fuel sales and identify stations in mining hotspots with anomalously high volumes relative to registered vehicles in the area.
These reports should be published.“Revoke Licenses of Non-Compliant OMCs found to be facilitating illegal mining through the sale of massive fuel consignments to illegal miners. Ban and Prosecute Complicit Directors: We demand that the NPA permanently ban directors of offending OMCs from participating in the downstream petroleum industry and report them to the AG for prosecution,” the group demanded in the petition.
In addition, the group is seeking strict rollout of “Know Your Customer” (KYC) rules, compelling OMCs to confirm the legitimacy of buyers, especially those buying large volumes of diesel in bulk containers.
The petition also calls for tighter teamwork between the NPA and security agencies to stop fuel shipments believed to be headed for galamsey sites.
Further, the coalition is pushing for firmer enforcement under Ghana’s environmental laws to ensure individuals and firms aiding illegal mining through fuel supply face prosecution.The group argues that cutting off fuel supply remains one of the strongest ways to stop illegal mining, stressing that bold action is needed to safeguard the country’s environment.
