The chief fisherman in Elmina has threatened to take legal action against former Central Regional Minister Nana Ato Arthur and the Komenda/Edina Eguafo/Abirem Municipal Chief Executive, Frank George Asmah. The chief fisherman, Joojo Solomon, has accused the two men of allegedly squandering proceeds from the sale of pre-mix fuel and denying him his due. He told Joy News on Sunday, he would also sue the two men for defamation of character. Fishermen in Elmina are also said to be initiating processes to secure a legal counsel to represent them in court. The chief fisherman alleged that Nana Arthur and Mr Asmah, demanded over GH¢200 on each tanker load of pre-mix fuel supplied to fishermen in the region. The management, distribution and marketing of pre-mix fuel in the fishing communities, has long been the responsibility of the local fishermen associations. Speaking to Joy FM on Monday Nana Arthur said he would face Mr Solomon squarely in court. He denied knowledge of any amount paid by the fishermen into the coffers of the former administration, stressing that a court’s decision would vindicate him. Influencing issues The supply of pre-mix fuel to fishermen in the Central Region has been a controversial issue that analysts say influenced the balance of opinion in the run-up to the December elections. Government announced marginal reductions in fuel prices early 2008 and another 10 percent in November the same year, with pre-mix fuel as part of the package. The last review was after the first round of elections which saw a reduction of some 17 percent in fuel prices. The review was condemned as a panic reaction to the inability of the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) to make an outright win. Contrary to the perceptions, however, petroleum regulatory body National Petroleum Authority (NPA) said the review was a direct repercussion of developments on the world market. Although the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) promised slashing prices of petroleum products, Ghanaians are still waiting to witness the promise come true. Industry watchers argue that Government requires a big chunk of revenue to be able to effect the reductions. Play attached audio for excerpts of Mr Solomon and Nana Ato Arthur's comments. Story by Fiifi Koomson