FISHERMEN ASSURED OF PREMIX SUPPLY (BACK PAGE)

THE Chairman of the National Premix Committee, Mr Kweku Nicole, has assured fishermen of regular and adequate supply of premix fuel to enable them to reap maximum benefits from this fishing season.
Shortage of premix fuel has been a source of worry to the fishermen along the coastline as a bumper catch is anticipated this fishing season.
With the development, most of them, especially those in the Central Region, have resorted to buying super fuel, which they described as expensive and uneconomical.
For instance, a fisherman who wanted to remain anonymous told the Daily Graphic that whereas he could spend about GH¢170 for a fishing expedition with premix fuel, he now had to buy about GH¢300 before he could undertake an expedition.
Mr Nicole said the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) had enough stock of premix fuel for supply to fishermen and advised them not to panic.
He entreated them not to sell the fuel to unauthorised users such as chainsaw operators, divert or hoard it, since it would not be in their interest.
He asked them to reconstitute their local premix committees to ensure regular supply.
Mr Nicole, who was on a tour of some fishing communities in the Mfantsiman Municipality, also advised premix committees to be transparent and accountable.
He said some premix committees collected fuel from companies, but refused to pay them after sales and shifted to other companies.
Premix committees in 11 communities within the Mfantsiman Municipality were inaugurated during the tour.
The communities are Ekuampuono, Arkra, Immuna, Otuam, Narkwa, Biriwa, Abandze, Anomabo, Kormantse, Nankese and Ankaful.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Mfantsiman, Mr Benjamin Kweku Hayfron, advised members of the committees to show commitment and use profits from the sale of the fuel for community development projects.
He announced that the district had decided to deal with Star Oil company for its supplies.