Accra: The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has issued a stern warning to Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) regarding the sale of premix fuel at rates higher than the government-approved prices. She emphasized that any instances of hoarding or diverting the product for private gain would attract strict sanctions from the Ministry and the National Premix Fuel Secretariat.
According to Ghana Web, Arthur stressed the importance of adherence to the approved pricing and distribution arrangements. She stated, "Every Landing Beach Committee must sell premix fuel at the approved price. The Ministry will not countenance any attempt to exploit fishers by increasing the price, hoarding the product, or diverting it for resale." Under the new price schedule, premix fuel is set at GHS5.51 per litre, equivalent to GHS24.80 per gallon, with specific costs outlined for varying quantities.
Arthur further directed LBC executives to ensure that the approved prices are prominently displayed at all landing beaches. She stated, "No fisherman or fish processor should be made to pay one pesewa above the approved price. These prices must be displayed clearly at every landing beach. Any committee that violates this directive will be dealt with."
The Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, Ebow Mensah, echoed these sentiments, cautioning LBCs against creating artificial shortages by withholding supplies or selling the product to middlemen. He highlighted that premix fuel is subsidized by the state to support fishing communities and not for committee members to exploit. Mensah announced that the approved prices would be publicized nationwide through radio stations, community information centers, and social media to ensure widespread awareness.
Mensah also noted that any future adjustments to the premix fuel price would be communicated clearly to fishers and industry stakeholders. "Whenever there is a new price, the Ministry and the Secretariat will communicate it clearly for the information of fishers and all industry players. Until such an announcement is made, LBCs must continue to sell at the existing approved price," he stated.
The Secretariat plans to strengthen monitoring at landing beaches and investigate complaints related to overpricing, diversion, and unauthorized resale. Mensah warned, "We will follow the distribution of the product from the oil marketing company to the landing beach. Any LBC found selling above the approved price, diverting supplies or conniving with middlemen will face sanctions."
Arthur emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding the premix fuel subsidy and ensuring it reaches its intended beneficiaries within fishing communities. She declared, "The era when a few people took advantage of premix fuel at the expense of fishing communities must end. Public officials and committee members entrusted with the product must account for every consignment."