The politicization of premix fuel, which was collapsing the work of artisanal fishers, has been denounced by certain fishermen in the Cape Coast Metropolis.
Shortage of the commodity, mismanagement, and a steep reduction in the number of fish captured over time, they claim, have exacerbated misery in fishing villages.
“There is already a shortage, and what little is available is extremely politicized; the culture of politicizing everything is out of hand; we must be treated equally, after all, it is not for free.”
On an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Wednesday, Mr Yaw Tenkorang, a fisherman from Abrofompoano in Cape Coast, stated this.
He expressed regret that fishermen had been unable to go on fishing expeditions in preparation for the season’s closure in July due to a lack of fuel at landing beaches.
Premix fuel diversion and mishandling of premix fuel distribution appeared to have reached a peak, according to Mr Suleiman Tahiru, a canoe owner.
Nana Kweigyah, President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CAFGOAG), added his voice to the chorus, expressing concern about the politics of gasoline sales, which he said had remained the driving force behind the mismanagement of premix fuel.
Fuel availability and related difficulties, he claimed, posed a severe threat to the success of the 2022 restricted fishing season.
“We anticipate relief from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development’s planned automation of the distribution and sale of premix fuel.”
“We also ask the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, as well as the National Premix Committee, to engage the LBCs as soon as possible, investigate them, and take appropriate action,” he added.
Source: advertafrica.net
