The National Premix Automation Project (NPAP) has been inaugurated at Elmina in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) municipality of the Central Region.
It is the first out of 50 of such facilities constructed in a number of fishing communities in the country.
The NPAP is an initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and intended to transform the supply and distribution of premix fuel in the country.
In all about 300 of such facilities are expected to be sited in 169 fishing communities across the country.
Inaugurating the facility, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahammudu Bawumia, explained that, the premix fuel automation project represented a significant step in the nation’s commitment towards
creating a level playing field for all stakeholders in the fishing industry.
He indicated that, the automation of premix fuel distribution would redefine the landscape of the country’s fishing industry.
“This groundbreaking initiative promises to elevate the supply and distribution of premix fuel to unparalleled height, ushering in an era of efficiency, transparency and accountability,” he said.
He further said: “The Ghanaian fishing industry is a very significant segment of the economy of Ghana as it does not only sustain livelihoods and the social wellbeing of our people but also contributes substantially to the food security of our country and our Gross Domestic Product”.
Dr Bawumia stated that the fisheries sector had become an integral part of the country’s vibrant cultural heritage and a vital source of employment, food and economic growth.
He explained that, the fishing industry had been a reliable source of employment for thousands of Ghanaians, particularly those living in fishing communities.
He stated that, the issues surrounding premix fuel distribution had bedeviled every government since the subsidy on the product started.
The Vice President further indicated that, the automation of the premix fuel distribution would eliminate the “issue of protocol and take-over of the system by politicians” which normally lead to shortages and black market activities.
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson, in her address, explained that, the new system represented a major leap in government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and transparency in the premix fuel supply chain.
She explained that, the ministry had facilitated canoe identification system to address the challenge of allocation, distribution and sale of premix fuel.
She said: “By implementing this advanced technology, we are effectively removing loopholes that unscrupulous individuals have exploited in the past, thus promoting fairness, accountability, and sustainability”.
In her address, the Central Regional Minister, Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, lauded the government’s efforts in promoting programmes to improve the living conditions of fishing communities.
She appealed to the managers of the various facilities to ensure maximum utilisation in the distribution of premix fuel in fishing communities.
The Paramount Chief of Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kwadwo Conduah VI, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the government for implementing strategies to eliminate challenges in the fishing industry.
FROM DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH, ELMINA
