Premix fuel subsidy will continue – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has said despite the deregulation of petroleum products across the country, Government would continue to subsidize premix fuel for fishermen.

Government had stopped subsidizing petroleum products through the introduction of deregulation policy which allows petroleum companies to sell the product without any government interference.

However, the Government continues to subsidize premix fuel by 50 per cent.

This decision according to Mr. Mahama, was to ensure that fishermen go through their expeditions without difficulties.

The president gave the assurance at Elmina on Tuesday where he met with fishermen along the coast of the Central Region.

President Mahama used the occasion which was his third time visit to the town since he became President in 2012, to seek for the support of fishermen in the Region as well as their prayers.

He said fishermen across the country played an important role in the history of the NDC winning the 2008 general elections.

As a result of this, Mr. Mahama stated that the late President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills gave priority attention to issues concerning fisher folks

His administration will therefore ensure that Central Region in general, and the fisher folks in particular, continued to benefit from the good plans their late son had for them.

President Mahama said in his bid to support the fishing industry for safe storage of fish, especially during bumper harvest, a modern fish processing plant was being built at Elmina.

He hinted that the project was about 80 per cent complete and assured the fisherfolks that cold stores would be built at Prampram, Nyanyan Ano and Kormantse.

He said others would be built at Shama, Sekondi Takoradi and Half Assini in the Western Region for safe keeping of fish.

Mr. Mahama said plans were underway to import 3000 Yamaha outboard motors from Japan for fishermen across the country.

Already, a total of 1000 outboard motors have been distributed to some fishermen, he disclosed and promised that more will be distributed soon.

Government has subsidised the motors by 30 percent and beneficiaries are required to pay on installment.

Omanhen of Edina traditional area, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI expressed his appreciation to the President for the infrastructural development the municipality has enjoyed under his government.