Sekondi fisherfolk demand accountability on proceeds from premix fuel sales

Fisherfolk at the Sekondi Landing Beach are demanding full accountability from the previous Premix Fuel Committee, accusing them of failing to disclose how proceeds from premix fuel sales were utilized over the past eight years.

The fishermen allege that despite legal requirements mandating transparency by depositing 53% of proceeds after the sale of premix as community component to be used for developing the community, the former committee never rendered an account of the funds, which are meant to support community development.

Amid growing concerns of mismanagement and misappropriation, they are calling on the Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Blay Armah Nyameke, to intervene and ensure that the outgone committee provides a full report on how the funds were managed.

Charles Nana Mensah Konduah, a fisherman at Sekondi Landing Beach, expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, stating that the community has seen little to no development despite the funds being allocated.

“The previous administration did receive a lot of consignment yet after the sale of the fuel they didn’t even render a single account…with the new administration in place what we want as a fisherfolks is for the MP to intervene and for the old administration to render an account to us”

Similarly, Ebenezer Kwamina Enoch, Chairman of the Sekondi Canoe Owners Association, stressed the importance of transparency, arguing that accountability would serve as a deterrent to the new administration and prevent future mismanagement.

“It cannot be business as usual, where an outgoing administration refuses to account for public funds. By law, 53% of the proceeds from premix fuel sales should be invested in community development. After eight years, we have the right to know how this money was used,” Enoch stated.

He further warned that without proper financial oversight, funds meant to improve fishing infrastructure and livelihoods could continue to be misused, leaving fishermen struggling with poor facilities and inadequate resources.

In response to the calls for transparency, Ebenezer Kwamina Thompson, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Sekondi Constituency, spoke on behalf of MP Blay Armah Nyamekere.

He assured the fishermen that the Member of Parliament is committed to ensuring that the previous committee renders a full account of the premix fuel proceeds.

“Hon. Nyameke is determined to uphold transparency and accountability. He will ensure that those responsible for managing the funds account for every cedi collected and used,” Thompson said.

With tensions rising, the fishermen and many in the community believe that a proper audit and public disclosure of the funds will not only bring justice but also restore confidence in the premix fuel distribution system.

The post Sekondi fisherfolk demand accountability on proceeds from premix fuel sales first appeared on 3News.

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