The lack of premix fuel at the numerous landing beaches along the coast means that the general population will have to get used to paying more for fish.
This is because, according to the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, fishermen have little choice but to pass on to consumers the high cost of the fuel they purchase.
Fishermen have recently expressed alarm about the supply shortage, claiming that it is negatively affecting their business.
For them, if they wish to go on fishing adventures, they are required to pay high amounts for fuel intended for vehicles.
The fishermen are currently helpless, according to Nana Jojo Solomon, the acting president of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council.
“We all know what the petroleum hikes come along with. Prices of everything surge. In time past, you could get a pan of fish for about GH¢400 and GH¢500, but now it’s about GH¢1000. Whatever price we buy fuel to embark on an expedition, the customer will have to pay for it because we will transfer the cost to the consumer.”
Because they haven’t had access to premix fuel to run their outboard motors for several months, the irate fishermen have threatened to stage a large protest.
The irate fisherman said they would soon take to the streets to make their demands heard until the government addresses the premix fuel scarcity.
“In actual fact, we were not planning a demonstration but, listening to the feedback, the signals and the vibes from the various regions, they are asking leadership to allow them to embark on the demonstration. The fishermen are getting agitated day in and day out. Fisherfolk in Volta, Western, Central regions are calling for the demonstration, the pressure is mounting”, Jojo Solomon added.
He lamented the hardships that the fishermen are through and added that the bulk of them have closed their businesses.
“It’s been four months without premix fuel. The premix is not there, we are buying from the regular pumps which are very expensive. The few canoe owners who are able to afford fall out with huge debts here and there, and it’s a source of worry. Now we are getting fish, but there’s no premix,” he said on the show.
In order to find long-term solutions to the premix fuel scarcity, he requested a meeting with President Akufo-Addo, emphasizing that the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Mavis Hawa Koomson, is no longer able to address the problem.
Adam Ibrahim
Adam is passionate about politics and issues that affect governance. As a writer, he channels his energies into writing on pertinent national and political issues for the good of the Ghanaian people.
This is a topic close to my heart cheers, where are your contact details though?
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