Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer and Vice President of Ghana, has made a major announcement regarding efforts to modernize Ghana’s fishing industry.
Speaking to chiefs, clergy, and residents in North Tongu, a district in the Volta Region, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that the first batch of solar-powered outboard motors for fisher folk will arrive in Ghana at the end of the month. These motors are part of a pilot program aimed at reducing the challenges associated with the use of pre-mix fuel, a key concern for the country’s fishing communities.
“And we are going to demonstrate it at the fishing communities in Ghana so that we see how the new outboard motors are working without the need for pre-mix fuel.
“So, when you are on the river and you are moving, the sun is charging your battery for you. You don’t need to go and buy premix fuel.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer
Outboard motors are essential for the fishing industry, enabling fisherfolk to efficiently navigate coastal and riverine waters. However, the use of pre-mix fuel—a specially blended fuel used for outboard motors—has posed several challenges for Ghana’s fishing communities.
The fuel is often plagued by issues of scarcity, price fluctuations, and mismanagement, which have contributed to the financial strain on fisherfolk.
Dr. Bawumia’s announcement of solar-powered alternatives offers a promising solution to these challenges. According to him, the first set of outboard motors will be part of a pilot project, with the objective of phasing out the reliance on pre-mix fuel.
The supply and distribution of pre-mix fuel have been contentious issues for many years. Allegations of diversion, hoarding, and price manipulation have plagued the system, often leaving fisherfolk without reliable access to fuel.
Dr. Bawumia further assured fisherfolk that the government has taken proactive steps to ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative.
“We have registered all the canoes, by the way—about 22,000—and we are going to give all of them the opportunity with credit facilities to buy these outboard motors.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer
The registration of canoes is a key component of the government’s plan to ensure that the distribution of the solar-powered outboard motors is well-coordinated. It also aims to prevent the recurrence of issues that have previously marred the distribution of pre-mix fuel, such as corruption and misallocation.
North Tongu’s Developmental Needs
During his engagement with the chiefs and constituents of North Tongu, Dr. Bawumia also addressed local developmental concerns. The acting Paramount Chief of North Tongu, Dofo Kokoroko Ananse, used the occasion to appeal to the Vice President to tackle the region’s infrastructure challenges, particularly in the area of road development.
Dofo Kokoroko Ananse also called for the creation of a new district in the Upper Tongu area to promote more efficient governance and enhance development.
Dr. Bawumia acknowledged these concerns and assured the chiefs that the government is committed to addressing them.
“We are giving equipment to every district. You are given excavators, graders, rollers, and tracts, and every district has a responsibility to help maintain roads.
“This has not happened before, and I believe that some of our road problems and motorability of these roads will be resolved.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer
As the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia’s announcement of solar-powered outboard motors is seen as part of a broader strategy to gain support from Ghana’s fishing communities, a key demographic in coastal regions.
His efforts to address longstanding issues in the fishing industry, coupled with promises of improved infrastructure, are likely to resonate with voters in areas such as North Tongu, which have historically been strongholds of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The introduction of solar-powered outboard motors aligns with the NPP’s vision of leveraging technology and innovation to drive development. If successfully implemented, the initiative could significantly boost the party’s appeal in fishing communities, while also demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development.
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