Minister denies political interference in distribution of premix fuel

Sekondi, Sept. 10, GNA - Ms. Betty Bosomtwe-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister, on Wednesday debunked media reports that the selection of members to supervise the distribution and sale of pre-mix fuel in the region was based on political considerations. She said the members were selected by fishermen and other stakeholders in the fishing industry, to check abuses in the marketing of the product and not an act to favour members and supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress.

Ms. Bosomtwe-Sam who made this known to the Ghana News Agency in Sekondi noted that the abuses resulted in the diversion and smuggling of the product to the detriment of fishermen.

The Deputy Minister said government therefore decided to replace the existing committees to check the anomaly. Each of the 28 landing beach committees in the region have six members with the Chief Fisherman of the area as Chairman of the body. Other members are the representatives of canoe owners, fishmongers, fishermen, Ministry of food and Agriculture and the Metropolitan, Municipal or District Chief Executive.

Ms. Bosomtwe- Sam said proceeds from the sale of the premix fuel would be used to support development programmes of the various communities. 10 Sept. 09