President of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, Nana Jojo Solomon, has welcomed government’s Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System.

According to him, the system will redefine the face of fishing for artisanal fishermen in the country. He revealed that for a long while, fisherfolks have been grappling with persons cashing in on premix fuel, although it is the sole prerogative of artisanal fishers, both inland and marine.

Mr Solomon revealed that there are instances where people make huge profits from sale of the product due to its heavy subsidy by government. In light of this, he noted that fishermen have made complaints of insufficient fuel, and in most cases, have resorted to buying fuel from regular pump stations.

“We transfer the huge debts incurred to the consumer, hence, the price of fish on the market is constantly escalating. So, this has come as a gamechanger.
“But I always want us to veer on the precautionary side a bit because these people [middlemen] are always coming up with antidotes, so I don’t think it’s 100%…
Nana Jojo Solomon

In spite of the seeming full proof nature of the system, Mr Solomon expressed the need for government to exercise caution. He urged the state not to overly glorify the system, but ensure it works as well.

“I don’t want people to come out saying the machines have these problems. But I think so far, through the demonstrations we’ve had and everything, it’s about 90% okay, which is perfect.”
Nana Jojo Solomon

Moreover, Mr Solomon lamented the invasion of political sympathizers and party personalities tampering with the sale and distribution of premix fuel. He noted that some MMDCEs visit landing beaches to purchase premix fuel, all in the name of protocol.

“You go there as a fisherman and want to buy fuel and they tell you that they are serving the protocols first… We are having issues with some of the MMDCEs and at the right time we will come out, we are just observing how these machines are going to work.”
Nana Jojo Solomon

To address the problem, Mr Solomon threatened to publish the names of some of the DCEs and MMDCEs who are cashing in on premix fuel to the detriment of the ordinary fisherman and the industry at large. He highlighted that they are primarily the cause of shortage of premix fuel intended for fishermen.

“They in the leadership role do these things then it gives the impetus for others to also join, but I don’t think they’re above the law.”
Nana Jojo Solomon

Card-bearing fishermen assured sale of premix fuel

On his part, Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, Nana Abrokwah, lauded government for the inauguration of the system in ensuring fairness. He indicated that as government has identified that the problems faced in the industry can only be solved through technology, he is happy it has moved from paper to actual implementation.

“We have 300 landing beaches across the country. As I speak, we have 50 that have been fully completed. Hopefully by next year, we will fully automate all sites and we believe that’s the step and the right way to go.
“Fishermen have been very supportive; they’ve been very happy – right in Elmina where the project was launched…”
Nana Abrokwah

Furthermore, Mr Abrokwah stated that fishermen have had the benefit to experience how the system works and he expects that government will roll out the project in the various districts as well. He further explained that all canoes across the country have been registered to streamline the sale of premix fuel on landing beaches.

“So, without a card, you can’t dispense fuel… So, we’ve deployed cutting edge technology to solve the many problems that we have. Previously, we’ve had incidences of fire – this is now going to be a thing of the past.”
Nana Abrokwah

Moreover, Mr Abrokwah emphasized that the Secretariat is working closely with the fisheries commission, as registration has been undertaken and vetting of the list is underway. He stated that this is to ensure that fishermen who are registered are served accordingly.