The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has told the Fisheries Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson to deal with the issue of premix fuel diversion immediately.
He said the premix fuel meant for fishermen are being diverted to retailers as a result of the heavy subsidies. He said the issue of premix fuel diversions has been a major concern to the government over the years.
Dr. Bawumia therefore charged the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson to deal with the issue immediately.
“One of the critical areas also of concern to government over the years has been the distribution of premix fuel to our fisher folks.
“The Honourable Minister for Fisheries is here and it is a major concern that she will have to address as she starts her tenure…
‘We are truly concerned when this heavily subsided premix fuel meant for our fisher… do not actually reach them.”
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President
Dr. Bawumia said the government made efforts to sanitize the distribution of premix fuel and management of the associated subsidies. The Vice President further indicated that the government has launched a process that actually digitized the distribution of premix fuel in the country.
He assured Ghanaians that government will ensure the availability of petroleum products on the market at all times at a competitive price. He also assured stakeholders in the petroleum sector that government will create the enabling environment for their businesses to thrive.
Dr Bawumia made these statements whiles speaking at the launch of the Digital Retail Fuel Monitoring System by the National Petroleum Authority.
The Digital Retail Fuel Monitoring System
The Retail Outlet Fuel Monitoring System will improve efficiency and effectiveness in the distribution of petroleum products in the Petroleum Downstream Industry. It comprises of Automatic Tank Gauges (ATG) and Forecourt/Dispenser Transaction Control System; aimed at eliminating illicit activities associated with the transportation and effective distribution of petroleum products. The system uses 3D Calibex Device to monitor fuel stock, aid in reading fuel tank levels and monitor sales data at retail outlets.
The system will also help reduce revenue losses within the petroleum downstream sector. Data from the NPA show that between 2015 and 2019, government lost over four billion Ghana Cedis in tax revenue as a result of illegal activities in the petroleum downstream sector. Thus, the system would help the government in its effort to maximize revenue mobilization from petroleum products.
“With this latest initiative of the Retail Outlet Fuel Monitoring System, we look forward to blocking revenue leakages. And improving revenue mobilization that would contribute to Government’s efforts to providing social services and funding for infrastructural development.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The introduction of the monitoring system forms part of Government’s vision of digitizing the Ghanaian economy towards achieving the ‘Ghana Beyond Aid‘ agenda.
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