The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur (MP), has officially announced the appointment of Ebow Mensah as the new Premix Fuel Administrator, effective Wednesday, January 29.

Mr Mensah brings over 15 years of experience as a development professional, having worked extensively in project planning, organisational development, and economic and social policy analysis.

His expertise is underscored by his strong relationships with key organisations, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the National Union of Seamen, Ports and Allied Workers (NUSPAW), Public Services International (PSI), and UNI Global.

Throughout his career, Mr Mensah has successfully managed international funds for various development activities, most notably during his time with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), where he worked to promote social justice, social democracy, and sustainable socio-economic development.

Mr Mensah holds a Master's degree in Development Management from the University of Torino, Italy, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), and a Bachelor of Arts in African Studies from the University of Cape Coast. His extensive qualifications and experience make him well-equipped to lead the National Premix Fuel Secretariat (NPFS).

As the new Premix Fuel Administrator, Mr Mensah's leadership will focus on ensuring the effective and efficient management of premix fuel distribution.

Premix fuel is essential for powering outboard motors used by artisanal fishers, contributing to the fishing industry's ability to meet national protein requirements and support self-sufficiency in fish production.

In a significant organisational shift, the Ministry has announced that all existing Premix Fuel Committees at the district and landing beach levels have been dissolved with immediate effect.

Additionally, the appointments of all District and Regional Coordinators have been revoked. New Landing Beach Committees will soon be established per section 22 of the National Premix Fuel Committee Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2233). These new committees will play a key role in ensuring the equitable distribution of premix fuel and the support of coastal community development.

Also, the government is committed to enhancing accountability for the distribution of proceeds from the sale of premix fuel. According to section 27 of L.I. 2233, previous Landing Beach Committees will be required to account for the 53% of premix fuel margins allocated to fishing communities for community development projects.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture will also continue to automate and enforce a tracking system to ensure the transparency and efficiency of premix fuel distribution.

Premix fuel remains a subsidised product that is crucial to the fishing sector, and the Ministry has reiterated its commitment to ensuring its availability and efficient distribution to support sustainable fisheries management and improve the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities across the country.