Administrator of the National Premix Secretariat, Nana Abrokwa Asare, has revealed that government’s fuel automation system will eliminate the place of middlemen in the distribution of premix fuel.

According to him, the prevalence of middlemen on the scene in the past, impeded government’s commitment to ensuring that fishermen receive optimum delivery of premix fuel in the country. He revealed that due to this, government deemed it necessary to streamline the activities within the fisheries sector.

“So, government thought it wise to introduce cutting-edge technology to solve the problems that we find ourselves in, so that we can take away the middlemen and make sure that the right beneficiaries get the fuel. So, this is going to be a gamechanger as far as premix fuel is concerned. It’s going to make sure that the right people get the fuel, they buy fuel at the right cost, and this is a clear demonstration that government is committed to solving the problems of the fisherfolks.”
Nana Abrokwa Asare

Mr Asare stated that premix fuel is a highly subsidized commodity by government and hitherto, was subsidized to a tune of about 85%. This, he explained, emphasizes government’s commitment to understanding the plight of fisherfolks due to the cost of expedition and fuel being one of the most expensive components as far as fishing is concerned.

” So, government saw it necessary to see how they can support our fisherfolks. Unfortunately, over the years, we’ve had a lot of irregularities in the sales, we’ve had a lot of hoarding and issues with regards to middlemen buying premix fuel and selling it to our fisherfolks, and it’s been a worry to government and the fisherfolks. So, what happens is that the ordinary fisherman does not stand to benefit from the subsidies that we are talking about”
Nana Abrokwa Asare

Effectiveness of automation system in sale of premix fuel

Elaborating on the automation system, Mr Asare indicated that the automation machine has been put in place to streamline the sale and distribution of premix fuel across the country. He iterated that the system would make use of cutting-edge technology because it is high time Ghana uses technology to ensure development in the country.

“If you look at this project, it’s a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to solving the many issues that have plagued the sale and distribution of premix fuel. So, this system is going to streamline the sale and distribution to make sure there’s efficiency and fairness in distribution, to make sure that the fishermen are content and to make sure that right beneficiaries benefit from premix fuel… So, this system is going to be a stopper, bring a lot of efficiency and make sure that we have a very clean system as far as premix fuel is concerned.”
Nana Abrokwa Asare

Touching on measures instituted by government to avert situations of hoarding and exorbitant sale of premix fuel, Mr Asare emphasized that the secretariat has undertaken extensive education and enforcement although the technology is going to be a “stopper” in ensuring compliance. He stated that fishermen who make purchases of premix fuel will be given unique cards to ensure the right people are served.

“So, if you don’t have a card, you have no business at our dispensing unit. It’s going to be controlled and monitored right from TOR to the landing beaches. We are also going to have dashboard that sees the amount of fuel every canoe is using. So, periodically, we will be auditing it to make sure the canoes are getting the fuel and middlemen cannot have access to it. It will also reduce the quantities that go into some of these illegal activities…”
Nana Abrokwa Asare