Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) have been directed to clamp down on Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) selling subsidised premix fuel above the government-approved price.

The directive was issued by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, following reports received by the National Premix Fuel Secretariat that some LBCs were charging fisherfolk more than the approved price.

In a letter signed by the Administrator of the Secretariat, Ebow Mensah, the Ministry warned that offenders could face up to two years’ imprisonment, a penalty of 2,000 penalty units, or both.

“The Secretariat has received reports of instances where premix fuel is being sold to fisherfolk above the government-approved price,” Mensah stated.

He described the reported overpricing as a serious concern because premix fuel is subsidised with public funds to support fishing communities and sustain artisanal fishing.

“The situation is of serious concern to management, particularly as premix fuel is a subsidised public resource intended to support fishing communities and promote the sustainability of artisanal fishing activities,” he said.

Approved price

The government-approved price, effective September 1, is GH¢5.51 per litre or GH¢24.80 per gallon.

Under the approved schedule, 80 gallons cost GH¢1,984, 70 gallons GH¢1,736 and 50 gallons GH¢1,240, while a yellow gallon costs GH¢174.

The Ministry and the Secretariat have warned LBCs against imposing additional charges, hoarding premix fuel, diverting supplies or reselling the product at higher prices.

MMDCEs to oversee LBCs

Citing Regulation 28(b) of the National Premix Fuel Committee Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2233), Ebow Mensah said selling premix fuel above the approved price constitutes an offence.

“The Secretariat wishes to emphasise that Regulation 28(b) of the National Premix Fuel Committee Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2233) expressly provides that a person who sells premix fuel above the government-approved price commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to an administrative penalty of two thousand penalty units, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both,” he stated.

He said enforcement could not be left to LBCs alone, stressing the need for active oversight by the respective Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

“The responsibility for ensuring compliance with the approved pricing regime cannot rest solely with the LBCs. The active involvement and oversight of the respective Assemblies are essential to safeguarding the integrity of the premix fuel distribution system and ensuring that the intended beneficiaries are protected from exploitation,” he mentioned.

The Secretariat has therefore directed MMDCEs to ensure that all LBCs sell premix fuel at the prevailing approved price and prominently display the price at every sale point.

Assembly representatives serving on LBCs have also been instructed to perform their oversight duties and report suspected breaches to the appropriate authorities.

MMDCEs are expected to promptly refer reported or suspected cases of overpricing to the National Premix Fuel Secretariat for investigation and action.

Inspections to intensify

The Secretariat said it would conduct routine monitoring and unannounced inspections at premix fuel sale points across the country.

“Any person found selling premix fuel above the government-approved price will be dealt with in accordance with L.I. 2233 and other applicable laws and directives,” Mensah warned.

The approved prices will also be publicised through radio stations, community information centres and social media platforms to help fishers, canoe owners, fish processors and other industry stakeholders know the official prices.

The Secretariat said it would officially communicate any future adjustment to the price of premix fuel to stakeholders.

Until such an announcement is made, LBCs are required to continue selling the product at the prevailing approved price.

The directive forms part of efforts by the government to strengthen accountability in the distribution of subsidised premix fuel and protect fisherfolk from illegal charges.