The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) has expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) and the National Premix Fuel Secretariat (NPFS) for the introduction of the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System.

The association sees this as a significant step towards addressing the longstanding irregularities in the distribution of premix fuel at landing beaches.

For years, premix fuel distribution at these beaches has been marred by irregularities, including hoarding by individuals who do not own canoes or fishing gear.

This practice has led to the sale of premix fuel at prices well above the government-mandated rates, negatively impacting fishers. With the implementation of the automated system, CaFGOAG is optimistic that such irregularities will be curbed.

During a two-day workshop on Leadership and Organisational Development in Keta, the National Executive Committee of CaFGOAG deliberated on the matter and called on the National Premix Fuel Secretariat to strictly adhere to the provisions outlined in Legislative Instrument 2233.

The organisation emphasised the importance of establishing Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) in line with these provisions to ensure effective representation and management.

The current composition of LBCs, as specified in Legislative Instrument 2233, involves the Chief fisherman as the chairman, representatives of canoe owners, fishmongers, the district assembly, and a fisherman nominated by the Ministry in consultation with the District Assembly. Additionally, the committee is required to have a secretary and a pump attendant.

However, CaFGOAG pointed out that in practice, LBCs are often formed without the appropriate representation as specified in the Instrument.

This lack of adherence has undermined accountability, transparency, and effective management in the distribution of premix fuel, contributing to the mismanagement witnessed at landing beaches.

CaFGOAG also called on all canoe and net owners to join the association to strengthen the collective voice of canoe and gear owners in fishing communities.

This unified front, the association believes, will facilitate the NPFS's ability to request representation from local associations of canoe and gear owners, ultimately improving the management and distribution of premix fuel at the landing beaches.

Nana Kweigyah, President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana underscored the importance of adhering to legislative guidelines to ensure a fair and efficient system for all stakeholders involved in the fishing industry.