Fishing activities in Akateng a fishing community in the Upper Manya Krobo in Eastern Region has been crippled by long shortage of Premix fuel.
Many fishermen have parked their canoes while few have turned to buying petrol and mixing with engine oil to power their canoes for fishing to survive.
The situation is seriously affecting the local economy
Akateng, once a vibrant fishing community in Upper Manya Krobo District in Eastern region is becoming a pale shadow due to long shortage of Premix fuel.
Fishers have for the past four years been battling premix fuel shortage in the community as premix landing committees in charge of distribution have been reduced from eleven(11) to five (5) but with erratic supply.
The situation has led to hoarding and smuggling by few individuals in charge .
Some fishers out of desperation have resorted to producing their own premix fuel by mixing petrol and engine oil to power their canoes .
The fishers say the situation is ruining their source of livelihood.
Happy Kortey ,a fishmonger is unhappy about the development .She says the fishing business has been seriously affected hence appealing to government to increase the distribution outlets with frequent supply.
Two weeks ago, the Member of Parliament for Upper Manya Krobo , Bismark Tetteh Nyarko raised the issue on the floor of Parliament which the Minister of Fisheries Hawa Koomson said the ministry is planning to install automated pumps for only fishers with cards to access the premix fuel to curb hoarding and smuggling.
However speaking to media, the MP Bismark Tetteh Nyarko said the Minister seems disconnected with reality on the grounds . He said the situation is dire, collapsing the local economy and ruining homes whose sources of livelihood depended on fishing hence urgent intervention needed
