Fuel transport licensing gaps could enable abuse and diversion – TI Ghana

Transparency International Ghana (TI Ghana) has raised concerns that weaknesses in the licensing and monitoring of fuel transportation could open doors for exploitation and diversion of petroleum products in the country. Executive Director Mrs. Mary Awelena Addah highlighted these gaps during a recent appearance on Joy FM’s Corruption Watch, referencing the Auditor-General’s latest audit of the fuel sector.

The audit, released in April 2026, revealed that out of 4,904 registered Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs) used for transporting petrol and diesel, only 2,514 held valid permits. This means more than half of the fuel-carrying trucks on Ghanaian roads operated without current authorization, creating potential risks for theft, theft, unauthorised rerouting or illegal refineries.

Mrs Addah stressed that such regulatory gaps could allow individuals within the supply chain to manipulate processes for personal gain, especially when oversight mechanisms are not strictly enforced. While the audit did not directly uncover corrupt practices, it flagged operational vulnerabilities such as unlicensed truck movements and delays in compliance enforcement that could be exploited.

The discussion urged relevant agencies to strengthen monitoring systems, verify truck destinations and ensure accountability across the fuel logistics chain. Closing licensing loopholes and improving real-time tracking of fuel transport are seen as critical steps to safeguard national resources and restore public confidence in the sector.