Fisherfolk and transport boat operators in Dambai in the Oti Region of Ghana have finally received a supply of highly subsidised premix fuel, ending a gruelling three-month shortage that crippled local economic and fishing activities.
The arrival of the consignment brought visible relief to the lakeside community, which relies heavily on the fuel to power outboard motors for fishing expeditions and to ferry commuters across the Volta Lake.
Following the distribution, a cross-section of local operators expressed profound appreciation to the government and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD). They noted that the intervention would breathe life back into their heavily impacted livelihoods, enabling them to service accumulated debts and resume full-scale operations.
Mr Samuel Abotsi, a member of the local Premix Fuel Committee and a representative of the Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), raised urgent concerns over the severe economic and social bottlenecks triggered by recurrent delays in the supply of subsidised premix fuel to the municipality.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Mr Abotsi explained that the local economy—largely anchored on the artisanal fishing industry along the Volta Lake—grinds to a near halt whenever distribution schedules stall. He therefore appealed to the government and relevant authorities to guarantee a regular supply of the product, noting that a fortnightly supply would be more productive.
Speaking on behalf of local stakeholders, the leadership noted that while the current allocation is a massive relief, a single supply after three months of scarcity is unsustainable for a major landing beach like Dambai.
“We are incredibly grateful to the government for remembering us after these three tough months. It is a big win for our families,” a local operator stated. “However, we are appealing to the authorities to ensure a constant and regular supply.
“Fishing and water transport are our lifeblood. When the fuel stops coming, the entire local economy grinds to a halt.”
The three-month drought reportedly forced many operators to resort to alternative or adulterated fuel sold at exorbitant black-market prices, driving up transportation fares and the cost of fish on local markets.
The beneficiaries have therefore urged the National Premix Fuel Secretariat to streamline its supply chain and prevent future delays, stressing that a predictable delivery schedule is the only way to guarantee sustained business growth and safety on the waterways.
By: Sylvester Fomenya/newsalertgh.com
