The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has announced a series of transformative reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s inland fisheries sector and ensuring that pre-mix fuel profits directly benefit local communities.
Speaking at the commissioning of a newly built primary school in CK Kope, Biakoye District, Ms. Arthur reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to balancing support across all fisheries sectors, ensuring that inland fisheries and aquaculture receive as much attention as the marine and coastal industries.
“I stand here today as the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, assuring you, our inland fishers, that we are fully committed to improving the inland fisheries sub-sector,” she stated.
Responding to concerns raised by the President of the National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council regarding the need for increased engagement with inland fisherfolk, Ms. Arthur emphasized that despite being only three weeks into her role, she had already held several discussions with him, both in person and over the phone.
“If this is not engagement, then I don’t know what engagement is,” she remarked, underscoring her proactive approach to fostering dialogue with key stakeholders.
Direct Pre-Mix Fuel Supply: Ending Middlemen Influence
In a bold move to streamline pre-mix fuel distribution and curb corruption, the Minister announced the abolition of regional, district, and zonal pre-mix fuel coordinators. This decision is designed to eliminate middlemen, ensuring that subsidized fuel reaches fisherfolk without interference.
“We have abolished and revoked the appointment of regional, district, and zonal pre-mix coordinators. Moving forward, there will be no such roles,” she declared.
Under the new system, pre-mix fuel will be delivered directly from the Tema Oil Refinery to landing beach committees, eliminating intermediaries who have been linked to diversion and corruption.
For coastal landing beaches, the committees will have seven members. These committees will be fully accountable to their fishing communities and will oversee the fair distribution of pre-mix fuel profits.
Ensuring Community Benefits from Pre-Mix Sales
The Minister detailed how profits from pre-mix fuel sales would be allocated, ensuring that fisherfolk and their communities directly benefit from the proceeds. Under the new profit-sharing model:
- 47% of the profit will go to the landing beach committee, representing the fishers’ collective interests.
- 53% of the profit will be allocated to community development projects.
Ms. Arthur cited examples of past investments made with these funds, including schools, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, and scholarships for children.
To enhance transparency and accountability, she announced that the ministry would conduct an audit of pre-mix fuel sales over the past eight years to ensure that communities have received their rightful share.
“In the last eight years, every litre of pre-mix fuel sold will be accounted for. Communities must show how they used the 53% meant for development. Resetting Ghana also means resetting the fisheries sector,” she emphasized.
Plans for a Dedicated Inland Fish Market in Accra
Responding to a petition from the National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council, Ms. Arthur disclosed plans to establish a dedicated inland fish market in Accra, addressing the long-standing challenge faced by inland fisherwomen who transport their fish to the capital for sale without a centralized market.
“The women have identified a piece of land in Accra, and I have engaged the Minister for Gender and the Greater Accra Regional Minister—both women—who are ready to assist my ministry in securing this land to build a market,” she announced.
This initiative is expected to provide inland fishmongers with a permanent space to operate, boosting their businesses and strengthening the inland fisheries sector.
