Fisheries Minister issues warning over Premix fuel price hikes
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, has directed Landing Beach Committees nationwide not to sell premix fuel above the approved price of GH¢180 per yellow “Kufuor gallon,” warning that violators will face sanctions.
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 committee members or middlemen.
“Landing Beach Committees should not sell premix fuel, the yellow Kufuor gallon, for more than GH¢180. There will be consequences for failure to comply with this directive,” she stated.
According to the minister, the National Petroleum Authority’s current pricing window places the approved price of premix fuel at GH¢176.40 per gallon. However, she said committees may round the figure up to GH¢180 for convenience.
Emelia Arthur underscored the importance of the fisheries sector to Ghana’s economy and food security, noting that fish accounts for about 60 percent of the animal protein consumed in the country.
She explained that the government continues to subsidise premix fuel to sustain fishing activities and support livelihoods in coastal communities.
Under the existing distribution system, Bulk Distribution Companies blend the fuel, while Oil Marketing Companies transport it to Landing Beach Committees for sale to fishermen.
The minister also cautioned committee members against accepting fuel deliveries that fall below approved allocations.
“When a tanker arrives, it is expected to deliver 13,500 litres. If the quantity delivered is less than that, Landing Beach Committees should not sign the waybill,” she warned.
Emelia Arthur further highlighted the importance of accountability in the management of proceeds from premix fuel sales. She explained that under existing regulations, 53 percent of the surplus generated from each tanker delivery is allocated to a Community Development Fund, while 47 percent goes to the Landing Beach Committees.
“There should not be a situation where the community development share from a single tanker delivery is less than GH¢5,000,” she stressed.
She called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Members of Parliament, chief fishermen and traditional leaders to closely monitor the utilisation of these funds to ensure they benefit fishing communities.
The directive forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability within Ghana’s premix fuel distribution system amid concerns over fuel diversion, price manipulation and the misuse of community development funds.
Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, Ebow Mensah, welcomed the minister’s directive and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to reforms intended to improve the fisheries sector.
Established under the National Premix Fuel Committee Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2233), the National Premix Fuel Secretariat oversees the distribution and management of subsidised premix fuel for artisanal fishermen. The framework also mandates that 53 percent of proceeds from premix fuel sales be invested in development projects within fishing communities.
In recent months, government has intensified efforts to reform the sector through the recovery of unaccounted-for premix fuel funds and the restructuring of Landing Beach Committees across the country to enhance transparency and accountability.
The Fisheries Ministry has also warned that individuals involved in fuel diversion, hoarding or price inflation could face prosecution under the law.
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