The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has paid more than GHS 174 million to premix fuel suppliers. This action clears legacy under-recovery debts, aiming to restore confidence among suppliers and stabilize fuel distribution.
This significant payment covers outstanding obligations from 2025 and a portion of 2026. The Ministry seeks to improve the reliability of premix fuel supply for fishing communities across Ghana. This move is crucial for the livelihoods of many Ghanaians dependent on the fisheries sector.
The clearance of these debts is part of broader government efforts to reform the fisheries sector. Ghana's economy relies heavily on natural resources, and a stable fishing industry contributes to food security and employment. Previous inconsistencies in fuel supply have hampered productivity and created financial strain for fishermen.
Madam Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, confirmed these payments at a Mid-Year Media Engagement in Accra. She stated that GHS 174,310,704.45 had been paid from total accruals of GHS 255,858,803.45. This amount covers the period of 2025 and January to May 2026.
Specifically, GHS 156,911,773.18 was paid in 2025, settling all obligations for that year. An additional GHS 17,398,931.27 was paid for January to May 2026. An outstanding balance of GHS 81,548,099.00 remains for the current year.
The Minister also reported a substantial increase in premix fuel distribution. The government supplied 22.41 million litres of premix fuel to beneficiary fishing communities between January and June 2026. This represents an increase of more than 58 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. It also marks an increase of over 20 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2024. This improved supply demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to a more predictable and reliable fuel source for fishermen.
Beyond debt clearance and supply increases, the Ministry is strengthening oversight of Community Development Funds. These funds are generated from premix fuel sales. Concerns about their management led to audits and reconciliations.
By June, audits covering approximately GHS 4.98 million had been completed in 42 of the country's 60 fisheries districts. This represents 70 per cent national coverage. The audit identified issues such as delayed deposits, poor bookkeeping, and unauthorized expenditure. In response, the Ministry has provided training in bookkeeping and financial management for Landing Beach Committees and other stakeholders.
Technology is also playing a vital role in these reforms. The Ministry is digitizing Ghana's premix fuel distribution system. This aims to improve transparency and reduce opportunities for manipulation. Of the planned 157 automation sites, 138 have been completed and equipped. Seventy-four of these sites are now operational, with 24 commissioned during the first half of the year. The National Premix Fuel Secretariat's Premix Tracker and Dashboard are enhancing monitoring, accountability, and decision-making across the supply chain. These measures are expected to foster greater trust and efficiency in the sector.