Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Emelia Arthur has instructed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to clamp down on Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) that are selling premix fuel above the government‑approved price. The directive follows reports from the National Premix Fuel Secretariat that some LBCs are charging fisherfolk more than the set rate.
In a letter signed by Secretariat Administrator Ebow Mensah, the Ministry warned that offenders could face up to two years in prison, a penalty of 2,000 penalty units, or both. Mr Mensah said the overpricing is a serious concern because premix fuel is subsidised with public funds to support fishing communities and sustain artisanal fishing.
The government‑approved price, effective 1 September, is GH¢5.51 per litre and GH¢24.80 per gallon. Under the approved schedule, 80 gallons will cost GH¢1,984, 70 gallons GH¢1,736, 50 gallons GH¢1,240, and a yellow gallon GH¢174. The Ministry and Secretariat have warned LBCs against imposing additional charges, hoarding the product, diverting supplies or reselling premix fuel at higher prices.
Mr Mensah cited Regulation 28(b) of the National Premix Fuel Committee Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2233), stating that selling premix fuel above the approved price is an offence punishable by administrative penalty, imprisonment, or both. The warning places direct responsibility on MMDCEs to prevent exploitation within their jurisdictions.
He instructed MMDCEs to ensure all LBCs sell premix fuel at the approved price and display the price prominently at every sale point. Assembly representatives on LBCs are also required to perform oversight duties and report suspected breaches to the appropriate authorities. MMDCEs must promptly refer all reported or suspected cases of overpricing to the National Premix Fuel Secretariat for investigation.
The Secretariat will conduct routine monitoring and unannounced inspections at premix fuel sale points across the country. Approved prices will be broadcast on radio stations, community information centres and shared widely on social media to ensure fishers and industry stakeholders are informed.
Any future adjustment in the price of premix fuel will be officially communicated to fishers and industry stakeholders. Until such an announcement is made, LBCs are required to continue selling at the prevailing approved price. The directive signals a wider government effort to hold local officials and LBC executives accountable for the management of subsidised premix fuel.
