The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has directed Landing Beach Committees nationwide not to sell premix fuel above the approved price of GH¢180 per yellow “Kufour gallon,” warning that strict sanctions will be imposed on individuals who violate the directive.
In a recorded address to fisherfolk and stakeholders in the fisheries sector, the minister stressed that the government’s premix fuel subsidy programme was designed to support artisanal fishermen and not to serve as a source of profit for intermediaries or committee members.
“Landing beach committees should not sell premix, the yellow Kufour gallon, beyond GH¢180. There will be consequences for failure to comply with this directive,” she stated.
According to Ms Arthur, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) determines fuel prices within a two-week pricing window, and under the current pricing regime, premix fuel should retail at GH¢176.40 per gallon. She noted, however, that committees may round the price up to GH¢180 for convenience.
Fisheries Vital to Food Security
The minister underscored the importance of the fisheries sector to Ghana’s economy and food security, noting that fish remains the country’s primary source of animal protein.
“As you all know, fisheries are very important to Ghana. We depend on fisheries for our animal protein,” she said.
She explained that the government’s premix fuel subsidy is intended to sustain fishing activities, support livelihoods and enhance productivity within coastal communities.
Under the existing distribution framework, Bulk Distribution Companies blend the fuel, while Oil Marketing Companies deliver it to Landing Beach Committees for onward sale to fishermen.
Committees Warned Against Accepting Fuel Shortages
Ms Arthur also cautioned committee members against accepting fuel deliveries that fall short of approved allocations.
“When the premix fuel arrives, a tanker is supposed to deliver 13,500 litres. If it is not 13,500 litres, the landing beach committees should not sign the waybill,” she warned.
She further disclosed that revenue generated from premix fuel sales is expected to support development initiatives within fishing communities in accordance with existing regulations.
Under the current arrangement, 53 per cent of surplus proceeds from the sale of a 13,500-litre tanker is allocated to the Community Development Fund, while the remaining 47 per cent goes to the Landing Beach Committees.
“There should not be an instance that you have less than GH¢5,000 as the community development portion from one tanker delivery,” she stressed.
The minister called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Members of Parliament, chief fishermen and traditional authorities to closely monitor the utilisation of these funds to ensure they are used for their intended purposes.
Government Intensifies Sector Reforms
The directive comes amid ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability within Ghana’s premix fuel distribution system following concerns over fuel diversion, price manipulation and the alleged misuse of community development funds.
The Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, Ebow Mensah, welcomed the minister’s directive and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to implementing reforms that will strengthen the fisheries sector.
Established under the National Premix Fuel Committee Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2233), the National Premix Fuel Secretariat is responsible for overseeing the distribution and management of subsidised premix fuel for artisanal fishermen.
The regulations also require that 53 per cent of proceeds from premix fuel sales be invested in community development projects within fishing communities.
In recent months, government has intensified efforts to improve oversight of the sector, including the recovery of unaccounted-for premix fuel funds and the restructuring of Landing Beach Committees across the country.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has further warned that individuals found engaging in fuel diversion, hoarding or unauthorised price increases could face prosecution under the law.
