National Secretariat Blames Poor Records for Premix Accountability Gaps

Inaccurate record-keeping, not a lack of education, is now seen as a major hurdle to accountability in how premix fuel is distributed across the country.

Ebow Mensah, Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, explained that despite fuel often being available, poor stock records and incomplete documentation continue to cloud transparency at many landing beaches.

“One of the challenges we have identified this year is inaccurate stock recording and incomplete documentation of premix supply and sales,” Mr. Mensah said. “This is basic arithmetic. With the barest minimum level of education, anybody should be able to do this correctly.”

He further explained that the absence of clear records creates difficulties for communities in verifying fuel receipts, sales volumes, profits generated, and the appropriate allocation to the 53 percent community development fund, as stipulated under L.I. 2233.

To address this issue, the Secretariat has launched a Premix Fuel Returns Booklet, currently being distributed to landing beach committees. “This booklet becomes the sole document covering all premix transactions,” Mr. Mensah stated. “On the day fuel is received, it is recorded. When it is sold, even if it is sold days later, depending on market days, that is recorded. The profit is shown, the 53 per cent is clearly indicated, and the responsible person signs.”

Complementing the returns booklet, a logbook system has been introduced to meticulously track daily activities and bolster audit trails. Mr. Mensah affirmed that these measures are designed not only to deter diversion but also to shield honest committees from unwarranted suspicion and potential conflict.

“When records are clear and consistent, communities do not have to guess. They can see the figures, confirm the bank deposits, and decide together what development projects to pursue,” he added. He emphasized that improved documentation is crucial for preserving the integrity of the premix fuel subsidy.

“If the public begins to see premix margins as private rent rather than community development funds, it becomes difficult to defend the subsidy,” Mr. Mensah cautioned. “Accountability is what keeps the system alive.”

The initiative appears to be gaining traction with fisherfolk. Kwame Essel, a canoe owner at Sekondi landing beach, shared, “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.”

“When they mentioned the amounts and showed where the money is kept, it gave us some confidence,” he added.

Currently, 53 percent of premix fuel margins are designated for community development, as per L.I. 2233. However, many communities have expressed feeling excluded from knowing how these funds are managed. Esi Armah, a fishmonger from New Takoradi, highlighted this concern: “Before now, when we asked about the premix money, people would say, ‘It has been used.’ Used for what? We didn’t know. This time, they told us how much came in and where the money is. That is what we want.”

The increased transparency was reported to alleviate tension among some fisherfolk. Yaw Mensah, a crew member at Abuesi, observed, “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.”

At Sekondi, the committee disclosed that approximately GH₵126,000 had been accumulated for community development over the past ten months, a figure that surprised many. Mary Koomson, a smoked fish vendor near the landing beach, noted, “I didn’t know the money could reach that level. If we manage it well, we can do something meaningful for the whole place.”

While many welcomed the financial disclosure, there’s also a growing expectation that these funds should translate into tangible improvements within the communities. “We have seen the money now,” said Kofi Blay, a canoe owner. “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, stressed, “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.”

Officials from the National Premix Fuel Secretariat have acknowledged the positive feedback and affirmed the importance of the Premix Accountability Series. Administrator Ebow Mensah emphasized that transparency is a catalyst for change. “When communities can see the figures and ask questions, the system becomes stronger. That is how premix moves from suspicion to shared responsibility.”

As evening descended on the landing beaches, conversations continued among fisherfolk, centered around the disclosed figures, bank records, and potential development projects. Kwame Essel concluded quietly, “As long as they keep doing this, we will also protect the system. Because now, it feels like it truly belongs to us.”

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE