Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has set a maximum price of GHS 180 for premix fuel. She directed all Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) not to sell the fuel above this price per yellow “Kufour gallon.” Non-compliance will lead to penalties.
This directive addresses persistent issues of overpricing and mismanagement of funds. The government subsidises premix fuel to support artisanal fishermen. Minister Arthur noted that the subsidy should not enrich middlemen or committee members. This ensures the intended beneficiaries receive affordable fuel.
The fisheries sector is crucial to Ghana’s economy and food security. Fish provides about 60% of the animal protein consumed nationwide. Government subsidies for premix fuel help sustain the fishing industry. This initiative also protects livelihoods in coastal communities. Recent government reforms have focused on enhancing accountability in the premix fuel distribution system.
Minister Arthur emphasised the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) determines fuel prices every two weeks. She stated premix fuel currently costs GHS 176.40 per gallon. Committees can round this up to GHS 180 for practical reasons. She warned LBCs not to sign delivery documents if fuel quantities are less than allocated. A tanker should deliver 13,500 litres of premix fuel. Committees must refuse to sign waybills if this volume is not met.
Proceeds from premix fuel sales are vital for community development projects. Regulations stipulate that 53% of the surplus from each 13,500-litre tanker goes to the Community Development Fund. The remaining 47% is for the Landing Beach Committees. Minister Arthur stressed that each tanker delivery should yield at least GHS 5,000 for community development. This ensures sufficient funding for local initiatives.
The Minister urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, as well as traditional leaders, to monitor fund usage. This oversight is critical to prevent misuse of public funds. Ebow Mensah, Administrator of the National Premix Secretariat, supported the Minister's call. He affirmed his outfit’s commitment to ongoing reforms in the fisheries sector. The National Premix Fuel Secretariat works under the National Premix Fuel Committee Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2233).
The government has significantly stepped up reforms in recent months. These include recovering unaccounted premix fuel funds. It also involves restructuring Landing Beach Committees to improve transparency. The Fisheries Ministry has warned against fuel diversion, hoarding, or inflated pricing. Offenders risk prosecution under Ghanaian law. These measures aim to safeguard the public purse and ensure the equitable distribution of subsidised resources.