The President of GroupeNduom, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom has urged government as a matter of urgency to enable fishermen to buy pre-mix fuel directly at petrol stations.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Nduom who is also the Chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) National Committee, believes making the pre-mix fuel readily available for the fishermen will help curtail all the diversions and high cost of the product.

According to a report by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), there were 12 major diversions of pre-mix fuel in January alone. The NPA’s BRV Tracking System and Returns revealed in all instances, although the product was documented to be bound for the Volta Region, they ended up in Accra

“Why can’t a fisherman take his/her money to a petrol station and buy pre-mix fuel without fuss? Why allow greedy politicians to mess around with the livelihood of the fishermen who are already struggling to make a living?” he quizzed.

Dr. Nduom also urged government to safeguard the waters from illegal fishing by both locals and foreigners.

Below is the full statement of Dr. Papa KwesiNduom

I don’t get this, about pre-mix fuel

It has been reported in the media that...” The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), is frustrated by what it has discovered to be massive diversions of pre-mix fuel loaded from the Tema Oil Refinery. Yes, I get it the state subsidizes this type of fuel. But we have been subsidizing others too over the years.

Why can’t a fisherman take his/her money to a petrol station and buy pre-mix fuel without fuss? Why allow greedy politicians to mess around with the livelihood of the fishermen who are already struggling to make a living? I come from a fishing town, Elmina and I know what I am talking about. Government should find a better, direct way to help fishermen. Including safeguarding our part of the ocean from illegal fishing by both locals and foreigners.