Premix fuel Shortage Hits Krokobite Landing Beach

The Krokobite Chief Fisherman in the Greater Accra Region, Nii Asaase Ayitey II, has outlined some major challenges facing the fishermen at the Krokobite landing beach after the opening of fishing season.

Speaking in an interview with Soireenews.com yesterday, Nii Asaase Ayitey II said the current use of super fuel (formerly known as Light Fuel and Schmoylent) by artisanal fishers around Krokobite landing beach to go for fishing expedition duel to irregular supply of premix fuel by the government through the National Premix Fuel Committee (NPFC) was adversely affecting majority of the artisanal fishers.

He maintained that the super fuel was very expensive, adding that many artisanal fishers in Krokobite and its adjoining communities could not afford to buy the products at its cost for their fishing activities.

Nii Asaase Ayitey II pointed out the current challenge facing the fishermen in Krokobite landing beach was that they don't have premix fuel for their fishing activities due to shortage of fuel.

According to him, for the past three months, fisher-folk and boat operators in Krokobite have not received premix fuel for their operations, marking thousands of artisanal fishermen to resort to buying super fuel to go for their fishing expedition.

He said the fishermen complained to him that the shortage was adversely affecting their fishing activities, and thus called on the sector ministry to intervene.

He also expressed worry about the situation in the area and therefore, called on the National Premix Fuel Committee (NPFC) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MOFA) to ensure regular flow of the premix fuel.

Currently, he maintained that most of the fishermen were struggling to get premix fuel before they could go fishing and have had to resort to buying super or petrol and engine oil at a higher cost to work.

“Fishing activities are dying due to the shortage of premix fuel and thus affecting the living standards of the people in the Krokobite coastal area and making it difficult for them to make a living,” the chief fisherman complained.

According to him, the short supply of the commodity, mismanagement and the sharp decline in fish catch over the years have increased hardship in fishing communities.

“Already, there is a shortage, the little that comes is highly politicise, the culture of politicising everything is getting out of hand, we need to be treated equally after all it is not for free,” Nii Asaase Ayitey II, said..