SOME FISHERMEN operating in the coastal community of Axim in the Western Region have lashed out at President John Evans Atta Mills for the periodic shortage of premix fuel, despite his promise to make the commodity available to them at all times.
The visibly angry fishermen have also called on the government to institute a full-scale enquiry into allegations of corruption in the distribution of premix fuel in the area, and punish those who would be found to be corrupt in its distribution.
Speaking on behalf of the fishermen, Agya Kow, Chief fisherman of Brawie near Axim, alleged that there had been some underhand dealings by some activists of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) serving on the area�s premix landing beach committees.
He explained that the alleged NDC activists serving on the committees normally bought the product, which was sold at GH�140.00 per drum, in large quantities, thereby creating artificial shortage, and later sold the premix to the fishermen at GH�220.00 per drum.
The situation, he said, had adversely affected their business, adding that they were even more worried because in the past four months, which was the season for a good catch, there had not been regular supply of premix in Axim.�If possible we�ll also march to the castle to demonstrate to tell the whole world that we the fishermen in Axim also have a problem and need immediate solution to the problem,� he added.
He alleged that some of the committee members also denied migrant fishermen of the product, and pointed out that the fuel had been subsidized by the government with the tax payer�s contributions, therefore no Ghanaian, who is a legitimate fisherman, must be denied the fuel. �Premix is not for the committee members or the landing beaches alone, but for all Ghanaian fishermen,� he stressed.
On his part, Peter Esouh, the 2010 2nd Best National Fisherman, a native of Axim who corroborated the story, insisted that some members of the premix committee in area were trying to collapse their businesses.
He indicated that the situation in Apewosika, Upper and Lower Axim was not any better, if not worse, and alleged that many jobs had been lost due to the shortage of premix.
Daily Guide�s visit to the area revealed that most of the fishermen and outboard motor operators were frustrated over the intermittent shortage of the premix fuel, and called for urgent action to be taken.
They also appealed to President Mills to fulfil his campaign promise of making life comfortable for the fishermen. When contacted, James Quarshie, a member of the area�s premix landing beach committee, denied all the allegations levelled against members of the committee but declined to comment further.
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