The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) has appealed to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Chairman of the National Premix Fuel to rescind a decision to increase the price of premix fuel from GH¢7.30 to Gh₵10 per gallon.
The association notes that with the current state of artisanal fisheries where fishers make very little or no catch after several fishing expeditions, any upward price adjustment will worsen the economic situation of fishers.
This appeal comes in wake of a call made by the National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council to government for the price of the fuel to be increased to help generate revenue to set up an automated distribution system across the country.
In a press release sighted by ATLFMNEWS, the association indicated that they do not support the planned price increment and rather called for proper stakeholder engagement between the premix fuel committee and canoe owners. “Increasing the price of premix fuel to Gh¢10. 00 per gallon will have dire consequences on artisanal fishers. As an association of Canoe and Gear Owners, we do not support the call to increase the price of premix fuel to Gh¢10.00 per gallon” the association said.
The association also called for stakeholders’ engagement to find a lasting solution to problems associated with the erratic distribution and sale of premix fuel.
“The planned automation of the distribution and sale of premix fuel by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development is a welcoming one. We commend the Ministry and the National Premix Fuel Committee for the effort. However, the fundamental problems of inadequate, and erratic supply, and the high level of politicization must be addressed to allow the automation system to function to the fullest” the release stated.
Read also: USAG calls on Gov’t and UTAG to work to resolve impasse
Vera Siripi/ATLFMNEWS
