By Benard Worlali Awumee, GNA
Anloga, (V/R), March 30, GNA – The leadership of the Anloga District Assembly, led by Madam Seyram Sandra Kpedor, the District Chief Executive, has concluded a comprehensive Premix Fuel Accountability Series programme across several coastal communities, aimed at promoting transparency, and strengthening local governance
The exercise, which spanned key fishing communities in the district, including Woe, Tegbi, Atorkor, Dzita, Atiteti, Srogboe, and Whuti, brought together Landing Beach Committees, community leaders, canoe owners, fisherfolk, and residents for engagements focused on financial accountability and community development.
The series was led by Madam Seyram Sandra Kpedor, the District Chief Executive, Mr Rolex Agbey Miheso, the NDC Constituency chairman and a key stakeholder of the District Premix fuel committee, alongside other technical officials of the Assembly, focused on ensuring that proceeds from premix fuel sales directly benefited host communities.
According to the DCE, the initiative was designed to ensure that revenues generated from premix fuel distribution were properly accounted for and equitably reinvested into the communities where the fuel was sold.
Central to the discussions was the enforcement of the policy that allocates 53 per cent of premix fuel proceeds to beneficiary communities for developmental purposes.
“I am particularly focused on ensuring that the communities’ 53 per cent share from premix fuel sales is duly deposited into their respective bank accounts and utilised strictly for development projects that improve the lives of the people,” the DCE emphasised.
The final phase of the tour, which covered Srogboe, Atorkor, and Whuti over the weekend, marked the conclusion of the district-wide exercise.
Describing the exercise as both insightful and necessary, the leadership of the Assembly noted that the engagements provided a clearer understanding of the operational challenges and successes associated with premix fuel distribution in coastal communities.
These insights, the DCE indicated, would inform future policy direction and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
Madam Sandra also issued a strong caution to all Landing Beach Committees to adhere strictly to established financial guidelines, particularly the mandatory allocation of the community’s share from each consignment of premix fuel received.
“I strongly caution all Landing Beach Committees to comply fully with the provisions governing premix fuel revenue distribution. Accountability is non-negotiable, and any deviations will be addressed in accordance with the law,” the DCE warned.
In a significant step toward enforcing accountability, the DCE announced that all accounts of Landing Beach Committees within the district will undergo a comprehensive audit by independent external auditors. The audit will cover nine years from 2017 to 2026, to ensure transparency, identify discrepancies, and restoring public confidence in the management of premix fuel proceeds.
The Landing Beach Committee executives, canoe owners, and fishermen who participated in the exercise described it as timely and appropriate.
They assured the District Chief Executive and accompanying officials of their commitment to operating strictly within the confines of the law to ensure that their respective communities fully benefit from the premix fuel policy.
Ghana’s premix fuel policy provides significant subsidies covering up to 85 per cent of fuel costs—for the artisanal fishing sector, intending to reduce operational expenses for fishers and sustain livelihoods. The system is administered by the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, established under Legislative Instrument 2233, and implemented through Landing Beach Committees responsible for local distribution.
The Premix Fuel Accountability Series is widely regarded as a bold governance initiative that reinforces the district’s commitment to transparency, community participation, and sustainable development within Anloga’s vital fishing economy.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba