The Upper East Regional Office of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has initiated a clampdown on 16 illegal Reseller Outlets, commonly known as ‘gao gao,' in the region.

In a statement issued by the NPA and shared with the Ghana News Agency, it was highlighted that the proliferation of Unauthorized Reseller Outlets in areas such as Pelungu, Duusi, Gbane Shiega, Tongo, Gaare, Chuchuliga, Bolga Soe, Sirigu, Bongo, Zonno, Namolga, Sakote, Zorko, and Kpale had become a concerning issue.

Mr Bashiru Natogma, the Upper East Regional Manager of NPA, emphasized that the NPA Act strictly prohibits individuals without a valid license from possessing Petroleum Products in quantities unreasonably exceeding their immediate requirement.

The statement further noted that these unauthorized outlets lacked the necessary safety measures and infrastructure for the safe handling and storage of petroleum products.

The close proximity of some of these outlets to public spaces posed an increased risk of accidents and fire outbreaks, aggravated by the absence of proper fire prevention systems and trained personnel.

The NPA's operation aims to uphold quality, pricing, and safety standards in the retailing of petroleum products. The public is advised about the risks associated with purchasing petroleum products from unauthorized reseller outlets and encouraged to choose authorized reseller outlets and fuel stations.

The statement also cautioned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) involved in these illegal activities to cease their operations and seek proper guidance to legally operate reseller outlets.

Any OMC found supplying petroleum products to these unauthorized reseller outlets will face severe sanctions from the regulator.