Sekondi Premix Committee Raises GH¢126,000 for Community Development

Landing beach committees in the Western Region have collectively raised over GH¢300,000 for community development in the last ten months, a demonstration of improved transparency and accountability in the premix fuel sector.

The Sekondi Landing Beach Committee led the way with GH¢126,000, while New Takoradi raised GH¢59,000 and Abuesi in the Shama district accounted for GH¢102,000, figures presented during the Premix Accountability Series revealed.

Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, Ebow Mensah, described the figures as a positive sign, indicating proper tracking and management of premix fuel margins in line with legal requirements.

“The committees indicated the consignments they received, the sales they made, and the amount that accrued to the community development fund. This is exactly how the system is supposed to work,” he stated.

Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2233 mandates that 53 per cent of premix fuel margins be allocated for community development and deposited into a designated bank account with agreed-upon signatory arrangements.

Mr Mensah emphasized the funds are intended for projects that benefit the entire fishing community, focusing on essential areas like sanitation, safety infrastructure, and livelihood support.

“These are funds that belong to the community,” he stressed. “When communities can see the figures and verify the bank balances, trust improves and conflict reduces.”

The Secretariat plans to institutionalize quarterly public accounting at landing beaches, ensuring fisherfolk have a say in how their allocated funds are utilized.

For many, the opportunity to witness the financial records was a novel experience. Kwame Essel, a canoe owner at Sekondi, who has fished there for over two decades, shared his surprise and relief. “I have been fishing here for more than 20 years, but this is the first time I am seeing them show us the books like this,” he said. “When they mentioned the amounts and showed where the money is kept, it gave us some confidence.”

Previously, many fisherfolk were left in the dark regarding the premix fund, frequently hearing only vague assurances about its use. Esi Armah, a fishmonger at New Takoradi, highlighted the change. “Before now, when we asked about the premix money, people would say, ‘It has been used.’ Used for what? We didn’t know,” she explained. “This time, they told us how much came in and where the money is. That is what we want.”

The increased transparency has already yielded positive results, calming tensions within communities. Yaw Mensah, a crew member at Abuesi, noted, “When people don’t know, they suspect everything. Today, when they showed the bank statement, the shouting reduced. Even those who were angry became calm.”

While the disclosed amounts were encouraging, fisherfolk stressed the need for these funds to translate into tangible improvements at the beaches. “We have seen the money now,” said canoe owner Kofi Blay. “The next thing is to sit down as a community and agree on what to use it for. If we see toilets, lights, or repairs at the beach, everyone will support the system.”

Consistency in reporting was also a key demand. Abdul Rahman, a fisherman at New Takoradi, cautioned, “If they do this only once, it will not help. They should come every quarter or every year and tell us the same thing. That is how trust will stay.”

According to officials, the positive response from communities underscores the importance of the Premix Accountability Series. Ebow Mensah reiterated that transparency fosters a sense of shared responsibility and strengthens the premix fuel system.

As discussions continued late into the evening, a sense of optimism permeated the landing beaches, fueled by the hope that this newfound openness would lead to lasting benefits for the fishing communities.

“As long as they keep doing this,” Kwame Essel said quietly, “we will also protect the system. Because now, it feels like it truly belongs to us.”

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE