FISHERMEN in the Western Region, especially those using canoes, are complaining bitterly about the shortage of pre-mix fuel in the area.
According to them, they had to struggle with vehicles at various fuel stations for diesel and petrol to be able to embark on their fishing expedition.
When the Daily Graphic visited the shores, the pre-mix storage facilities were empty and officials were nowhere to be found as they could not stand the persistent questions from the fishermen who wanted to know when they would be getting their supply.
At the Albert Bosumtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour at Sekondi and other harbours in various parts of the region, the fishermen said they had not been supplied with pre-mix fuel since the beginning of the fishing season.
According to theme, even though the pre-mix fuel was subsidised, fixing the price of a gallon at GH¢2.50, the fuel stations in the region were selling it at GH¢5 and even at that exorbitant price, they had to struggle before getting some to buy.
One of the fisherman, Opanyin Francis Simon, said as a result of the problem, only few people went fishing.
He said at the moment, the position of the moon required that they mended their nets in a day or two, which was normal with their trade.
The fishermen at Shama, Abuesi, Cape Three Points, Axim and those in the Jomoro District have appealed to the government to ensure that a special allocation of pre-mix fuel is given to them, adding that the commodity should be evenly distributed.
Another fisherman, Opanyin Twie Egya, stressed the need for canoe fishermen to be given attention to ensure that the seasonal gains did not elude them.
On the issue of pair trawling, the fishermen said with the support of the Ghana Navy, the trawlers had moved a little farther.
No comments:
Post a Comment