The government has launched automated premix fuel dispensers in Elmina, Central Region.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, at the commissioning, emphasized that this automation will eliminate corruption and favoritism in premix fuel distribution nationwide.
It’s also expected to reduce hoarding in the fishing sector, a crucial source of employment for coastal residents.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted the importance of streamlining activities in the fishing industry, promoting consistency in the fish value chain, and addressing challenges in the premix sector.
“Our critics have nothing to do with the economy. It will take them some time to understand it. But today they have seen the positive impact of digitization which cuts across all sectors, especially on the lives of our fisherfolk We’re increasing revenues in all sectors. The Ghanaian fishing industry is an essential sector of the economy, and it employs thousands of people. The fishing sector has seen a lot of challenges over the years.”
“Access to premix, hoarding, and protocol distribution among other things have been the challenges confronting the premix sector, but with the introduction of the automated system, we have curtailed that practice. The automated premix dispensing system will address the challenges confronting the sector and increase its yield. All canoes are registered and fishermen are given cards to use for the premix,” Dr Mahamudu Bawumia noted.
He credited Ghana’s digitization efforts for positively impacting the lives of fisherfolk, emphasizing increased accessibility and reduced corruption.
The Vice President assured critics that the digitization agenda benefits all sectors, boosting revenue and alleviating challenges in the fishing industry.
He explained that the automated premix dispensing system would enhance transparency, with registered canoes and fishermen using cards for premix access.
Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson supported the initiative, expecting it to reduce government subsidies and ensure fair fuel distribution while eliminating intermediaries.
However, some fisherfolk expressed concerns about the automation’s ability to prevent diversion and hoarding.