Premix fuel reforms yield GH¢545,513 in community funds across Central Region landing beaches
Fishing communities in Cape Coast, Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK), and Mfantseman have collectively accounted for GH¢545,513.62 in community development funds, following an intensive accountability exercise by the National Premix Fuel Secretariat. The initiative forms part of government reforms to enforce compliance with Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2233, which mandates that 53 percent of premix fuel proceeds be reserved for local development projects.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, hailed the exercise as a turning point in fisheries governance. “Premix fuel is not merely a subsidy. It is a social intervention designed to uplift fishing communities. Government will ensure that funds meant for development reach the people they are intended for,” she said, stressing that strict enforcement of L.I. 2233 restores public confidence and curbs diversion of resources.
Administrator of the Secretariat, Ebow Mensah, explained that the monitoring tour revealed widespread community unawareness about the legal requirement. “This exercise has opened the eyes of the communities themselves. People now understand that 53 per cent of premix proceeds must return to them in the form of development projects,” he noted, adding that residents are now empowered to demand accountability from committee members.
Twenty landing beaches across the Central Region rendered accounts as of February 25, 2026. Highlights include:
- Cape Coast Metropolis: Duakor Abakam (GH¢80,744.16), Ekon (GH¢32,070.61), Brofoyedur (GH¢28,842.37)
- AAK District: Moree Main (GH¢44,094.62), Efano Moree (GH¢8,000)
- Mfantseman Municipality: Anomabo Lower (GH¢47,400), Komantse (GH¢21,981.03), Saltpond Main (GH¢17,784.61)
The Secretariat indicated that some withdrawals are under review as part of strengthened financial oversight.
Local voices have praised the accountability drive. At Moree Landing Beach, fisherman Kojo Mensah said: “For years, we only heard about premix money, but we never saw what it was used for. Now they are explaining everything to us. If this continues, our landing beach will finally see real development.”
Fish processor Maame Efua Nyamekye in Anomabo added: “We now know the money belongs to us. The committees must account to the people. This will help improve sanitation and storage facilities for our work.”
Canoe owner Opanyin Kweku Atta at Birwa Main emphasized the importance of transparency: “Transparency brings peace. When accounts are clear, there is less conflict in the community. We support the government to continue these inspections.”
The Secretariat has announced that accountability exercises will now be conducted quarterly to ensure strict adherence to L.I. 2233 nationwide. Officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to restore discipline, strengthen transparency, and channel premix fuel revenues into tangible community projects along Ghana’s coast.
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