Participants in the fishing industry nationwide have welcomed the introduction of automated fuel outlets. They have attributed the success of this initiative to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development’s efforts to reduce inefficiencies and mismanagement in the distribution chain.
Fishermen believe that the newly upgraded system will significantly enhance their living conditions.
According to the report made by Graphic Online, the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, inaugurated 50 automated premix fuel outlets in three locations in Elmina, marking the beginning of a nationwide rollout.
The initiative aims to revolutionize the fishing sector, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and responsibility. Dr. Bawumia highlighted this as a testimony to the government’s digital advancement strategy for economic growth.
Fisherman Kwesi Ashie expressed relief at the fuel automation, noting the distress caused by intermediaries’ high resale prices. He says that the new card system streamlines the buying process and eliminates intermediaries.
Kofi Acquah, another fisherman, shared the sentiment, emphasising the system’s capacity to alleviate the pressures canoe proprietors face.
Elmina’s Chief Fisherman, Nana Badu, urged colleagues to acquire their biometric identification cards, ensuring seamless fuel distribution. He also voiced hopes for increased fuel supply and thanked the ministry and collaborators for this development.
In Ghana, fish is a crucial source of dietary protein intake, with a national per capita fish consumption of 26 kg, surpassing West Africa’s 15 kg average.
Kofi Agbogah of Hen Mpoano, a non-profit organisation for sustainable fisheries, endorsed the automation of premix monitoring. However, he urged an update to Legislative Instrument (LI) 2233 and questioned the national premix committee’s future role. As a fisheries specialist, Agbogah advocated for corrupt individuals to be ousted to ensure the system’s smooth operation.
Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah of the Fisheries Alliance lauded the new system for addressing old flaws, such as preventing premix fuel hoarding and illicit sales. Yamoah, also affiliated with Friends of the Nation, mentioned that the government’s biometric cards would aid in accurate fuel distribution.
The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) extended commendations to MoFAD and the National Premix Fuel Secretariat.
CaFGOAG’s President, Nana Kweigyah, recognised the project as a monumental shift towards rectifying longstanding fuel distribution discrepancies. He reiterated the urgency for MoFAD and the NPFS to reassess the Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) for better premix fuel management.
Kweigyah also raised concerns about LBC’s current formation, citing discrepancies with the specifications in LI 2233.
Source: Graphic Online
