Majority of fisherfolks want premix fuel subsidy removed – Study

Professor Wisdom Akpalu, Director, Environment and Natural Resource Research Initiative (ENRRI-EfD Ghana), says 90 per cent of fisherfolks in a study conducted by his outfit want the premix subsidy removed.He said the respondents raised concern over the current framework of allocating premix fuel subsidy, indicating that it was often fraught with numerous challenges, notably shortages and diversion.The Professor disclosed this at the stakeholder seminar on premix subsidy held at the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana.The seminar afforded stakeholders the opportunity to discuss critical issues within one of Ghana's most vital natural resource sectors-fisheries.Prof. Akpalu explained that the study which covered 700 respondents across 22 landing sites in 4 coastal regions concluded that 90 per cent of fisherfolk were willing to pay approximately GHS 87 per gallon of premix fuel.However, he alleged that those who insisted that the framework of the subs idy must remain had some affinity with the members of the premix committees at the various landing sites.The Director said the Government spent $40 million on premix subsidies every year; however, 80 per cent of the premix fuel was diverted, which indicated that the fisherfolk had access to only 20 per cent of the required volume.This situation, he said, if not resolved, could threaten the livelihood of the fisherfolk, exposing them to poverty since they have no access to premix fuel to 'power' their outboard motor and earn an income.Prof. Akpalu urged the Government to withdraw the premix subsidy and channel it to livelihood empowerment programmes for the fishermen.Mr. Michael Nokoe, Vice Chairperson, Ghana National Canoe Fishing Council, said, based on the current happening, subsidy on premix fuel must be withdrawn by the Government.'Since the ban on fishing was lifted in August, we have only received one delivery of the premix fuel. We are currently facing shortages at various landing sites in th e country. The question is, where do I get the fuel to go fishing? We buy the fuel ourselves to fish,' he said.He said there was a minimal price difference between the subsidised premix fuel and what they were buying at the pump.Mr Nokoe urged the government to provide the required infrastructure to support a free market system of buying premix fuel.Source: Ghana News Agency