Ghana currently produces around 300,000 metric tonnes of crude palm oil annually, while the national demand exceeds 400,000 metric tonnes, leaving an annual shortfall of about 100,000 metric tonnes.

OPDAG said the deficit has created a fertile ground for smugglers to flood local markets with unsafe and poor-quality vegetable oils.

“These illegal products not only undermine local producers but also pose serious health risks to consumers,” Mr. Amaning warned.

The media event followed a stakeholder meeting convened by the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) and its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andrew Osei Okrah, which brought together regulators, security agencies, and industry players to discuss strategies for tackling the crisis.

Dr. Okrah proposed several reforms, including the introduction of traceability systems to monitor oil movement from refineries to retailers, mandatory registration of transporters and distributors under TCDA supervision, and stronger collaboration among the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Customs, and National Security.

He also called for stricter penalties, including prosecution and custodial sentences for offenders.

OPDAG expressed full support for these measures and pledged to work closely with TCDA and other agencies to ensure their effective implementation.

Highlighting the economic importance of the oil palm sector, which supports over 1.2 million Ghanaians, Mr. Amaning cautioned that unchecked smuggling could destroy the entire value chain.

“We cannot allow smuggled oil to destroy the gains made in the local industry,” he emphasized. “We are calling on government to provide the needed logistics and support to regulatory bodies to clamp down on these operations.”

OPDAG also appealed to the media to intensify public education and expose illegal operations while encouraging consumers to patronize certified, locally produced oils.

“This is a shared responsibility,” Mr. Amaning concluded. “If we act together—government, industry, media, and the public—we can protect Ghana’s edible oil market, sustain jobs, and secure the livelihoods of over a million citizens who depend on this vital sector.”

Source: Adomonline

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The taskforce comprise of the Tree Crop Development Authority, the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and National Security.

They have in the past weeks confiscated several smuggled vegetable oil in their quest to sanitise the market.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, the Coordinator, Dr Paul Amaning stated there will be no need for the government to take over.

This according to him is because they already have the relevant stakeholders and have so far have an efficient and smooth process.

“It has been a transparent process so far without any political interference because if we don’t take care, it will be like the fight against galamsey,” he said.

Dr Amaning threatened the government would incur the wrath of the members should there ne any attempt to get rid of them.

“It will be unnecessary for government to infiltrate, make changes or take over the operations. They will be surprised by the mammoth demonstration that will take place if they try to do anything funny.

“”We are the people who produce the oil and we can’t sit aloof for cabinet decisions to be imposed on us,” he warned.

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The first incident netted 13 persons suspected to be part of a cartel dealing in smuggling of petroleum products.

A statement issued by the NPA said the suspects who were arrested following a tip-off, were transferring fuel from a ship to drums and gallons around the shores of Aflao in the Volta Region.

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“Seven drums, 76 empty drums, 32 filled yellow gallons (25 liter) of diesel and 20 empty containers were retrieved from them during the operation that lasted for about five hours.”

The NPA said investigations revealed that the suspects used only text messages to communicate with the captain of the ship and are only able to identify the particular ship they are to approach to conduct their illegalities when lights in all other docked ships are off.

In the second case, four people are in the custody of the Eastern Naval Command for engaging in illegal siphoning of fuel from two “canoe tankers” to fuel tanker vehicle.

The four suspects – Ali Christopher, Nii Armah Odatey, Richard Adjetey and Yetawell Immabasalam were arrested during their operation at the Tema Fishing Harbour around 12 midnight.

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The NPA said the tanker vehicle with registration number GN 2931-12 was confiscated together with 16,000 litres of fuel, a pumping machine and fuel hose.

“Unfortunately, the tanker boats and its operators slipped away. A seaward search was mounted for the boats but proved futile”, the NPA said, adding that it is determined to sanitize the industry and therefore urged the public to continue with their support in the fight against fuel smuggling.