The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture is curbing diversion and misuse of premix fuel subsidies, as authorities move to safeguard state support aimed at reducing operational costs for Ghana’s small-scale fishing sector and sustaining livelihoods in coastal and riverine communities.
The intervention arises from growing concerns that subsidised premix fuel, intended to support canoe operators and artisanal fishers, is being diverted and resold on the open market at inflated prices, thereby undermining both fiscal efficiency and the developmental purpose of the subsidy programme.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Riverson Oppong, raised the issue during a courtesy call on Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur, warning that the system is being weakened by “diversion, hoarding and unregulated resale” of fuel meant for fisherfolk. He emphasised that the subsidy was intended to ensure the affordability and continuity of fishing operations, but noted that misuse has distorted access and created profit-driven leakage within the distribution chain.
Oppong called for tighter enforcement and closer institutional collaboration, describing the situation as requiring “decisive compliance measures” to protect the integrity of the premix distribution system and ensure that intended beneficiaries are not excluded.
In response, the Minister emphasised the government’s resolve to protect the subsidy architecture, noting that the Ministry, together with the Premix Fuel Secretariat, is already engaged in tracking and arrest operations targeting offenders. She further indicated that the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) will continue to support prosecutions as part of efforts to deter illegal activity and strengthen oversight.
