Zen Petroleum, Ghanstock Partner Fire Service To Tackle Illegal Oil Siphoning In New Takoradi
Zen Petroleum and Ghanstock Limited, in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), have launched a joint campaign to combat illegal oil siphoning in New Takoradi.
The companies are warning that the dangerous activity poses an immediate threat to lives and property in the community.
The initiative was unveiled during a community sensitization forum organized by the two companies, with support from the GNFS, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of tampering with petroleum pipelines.
Addressing residents, DO3 Emmanuel Simpson Acheampong of the GNFS described the situation in New Takoradi as a disaster waiting to happen. “You’re literally sitting on a time bomb,” he stated in an interview with Angel TV/FM’s Western Regional Reporter, Nana Fynn. “One spark from a phone call, cigarette, or open flame near these leaking pipelines could wipe out the entire neighborhood.”
He explained that the petroleum pipelines, which run across the length and breadth of the community, carry highly flammable products.
He further warned that vapor from leaking fuel can travel long distances, making the exact point of explosion unpredictable.
DO3 Simpson cited past tragedies in Ghana and other parts of West Africa, where similar activities led to massive explosions and loss of lives.
He called on the public to report anyone found engaging in oil siphoning, stressing that the consequences of inaction could be fatal.
Zen Petroleum and Ghanstock Limited, both of which operate within the enclave, said their decision to spearhead the forum is part of their ongoing commitment to community safety and environmental protection.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening.
These pipelines are not just infrastructure—they are lifelines and potential death traps if misused,” said Mr. Moses Bentsil, Operations Manager of Ghanstock Limited.
He urged residents to become the “first line of defense” by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities. “Protecting this infrastructure is not just the government’s responsibility it’s everyone’s.”
Hon. Gilbert Afriyie, Assembly Member for Lower New Takoradi, also participated in the forum and acknowledged the urgency of the Fire Service’s warning.
However, he highlighted the need to address the root causes of the illegal practice, particularly poverty and unemployment among the youth.
“It’s easy to condemn the act, but we must also understand the desperation behind it,” he said. “If we want to stop oil siphoning, we must create real economic alternatives.”
He called on both the government and the private sector to support youth training programs and provide sustainable employment opportunities.
Hon. Afriyie further appealed to the companies operating the pipelines to bury exposed lines and improve signage and security around pipeline routes. “The people need to know where these pipelines run. Education must go hand-in-hand with enforcement,” he added.
A United Call for Safety Both Zen Petroleum and Ghanstock pledged to continue community outreach efforts, collaborate with local authorities, and support proactive safety measures.
The campaign is expected to be followed by more sensitization programs, patrols, and partnerships with security agencies.
The message from the forum was clear: illegal oil siphoning is not only criminal—it is a deadly gamble that puts the entire New Takoradi community at risk.
Story by Nana Fynn Takoradi
