Accra: Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Madam Emelia Arthur may engage the Energy Ministry and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) over the impact of Parliament's removal of the subsidy on marine gas oil. She said the subsidy removal was affecting semi-industrial fishing vessels that relied on marine gas oil for operations.
According to Ghana News Agency, the minister stated at a media engagement in Accra that they would have a conversation to explore necessary interventions. The meeting also addressed the issue of light fishing, a harmful practice threatening the marine ecosystem and public health. Madam Arthur, who is also the Member of Parliament for Shama, highlighted that the tax exemption on marine gas oil had not achieved its intended purpose of supporting fisherfolk and had instead become a conduit for hoarding and illegal activities.
Parliament recently passed the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment No. 2) Bill, 2025, which removed the government subsidy on marine gas oil and increased the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy by 193 pesewas per litre. The government stated that this measure aimed to curb abuse and smuggling associated with the fuel, which had compromised the integrity of the subsidy programme. The revised levy is expected to generate GHS71 million in revenue for the State.
The Minister also noted that some outstanding debts had been settled, adding that the sector's contribution to Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had improved. She emphasized the importance of verifying whether current policies were effective and contributing to growth or if revisions were necessary.
Industry stakeholders, including fishermen, fishmongers, canoe owners, and community members from the marine, inland, and aquaculture value chains, participated in the engagement.
