I will depoliticise distribution of Premix fuel – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has assured fishers of a foolproof system that will erase the seeming politicisation of the distribution of premix fuel.

He decried the current system where the distribution of premix fuel has been taken over by politicians, thereby placing undue strain on the activities of fishermen.

Premix fuel has become a significant source of oxygen for activities of fishermen.

However, complaints of hoarding, diversion, artificial shortage and domination of party members in the composition of landing beach committees have affected the once seamless distribution.

Government has automated the distribution of premix fuel. However, the National Premix Committee has been able to distribute only 25 million out of a projected 107 million litres, for this year, as of September.

Speaking to a crowd of party faithful at Anlo Beach in the Shama District to climax his two-day tour of the Western Region as part of his Building Ghana Tour, the former President recounted the purpose for the setting up of the landing beach committees by the late President Evans Atta Mills and expressed worry over how fishermen are being short-changed.

“The premix fuel distribution and other initiatives like the distribution of subsidised outboard motors were a result of the feedback we had from our gallant fishermen. What we see today is pitiable. It is in the hands of politicians. Landing beach committees have been hijacked by politicians. My next government will reverse that to the true essence for which it was birthed. Premix fuel will be distributed by only true fishermen.”

National Democratic Congress’ Parliamentary Candidate for Shama Emelia Arthur encouraged the crowd to vote for the party in the 2024 general elections.

“Our commitment to the well-being of every Ghanaian is palpable. NDC has demonstrated that it is the only party that understands and appreciates the needs of Ghanaians. The schools, the hospitals, the roads and other social interventions are there for all to see. And our solemn pledge is that we will continue where we left off and this time even better.”

To the people of Anlo Beach, she entreated them “to vote for the NDC and we will address your age-long challenges as you have suffered long enough.”

The Building Ghana Tour is the party’s unique way of collating views from Ghanaians on how to better govern them.

Views expressed on the tour will form the basis of the party’s manifesto for election 2024.

“It is more of a manifesto from us Ghanaians and for us Ghanaians. The idea is for Ghanaians to own our manifesto. So that the true wants and needs of Ghanaians will be at the heart of any and everything that we will do. We will be dealing with specifics. So, this tour is to help us build our manifesto with Ghanaians and, so far, the response has been humbling and we don’t take that for granted,” Shama Constituency Communications Officer Paul Otis Dentu explained.