Premix fuel subsidy will continue – Prez Mahama assures fishermen

sQuashie

October 15, 2015 6:52 AM

The President gave the assurance at Elmina on Tuesday where he met with fishermen along the coast of the Central Region.

President John Dramani Mahama has promised that despite the deregulation of petroleum sector, government will continue to subsidize premix fuel for fishermen.

Government had ceased the subsidization of petroleum products through the introduction of deregulation policy which allows petroleum companies to sell the product without any government interference.

However, premix fuel is still being subsidized by 50 per cent.

This decision according to the President was to ensure that fishermen go through their expeditions without difficulties.

President Mahama used the occasion which was his third visit to the town since he became President in 2012, to seek for the support of fishermen in the region as well as their prayers.

He said fishermen across the country played an important role in the history of the NDC winning the 2008 general elections.

He noted that the late President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills gave priority attention to issues concerning fisher folks.

President Mahama gave the assurance that his administration will therefore ensure that Central Region and the fisher folks in particular, continue to benefit from the good plans their late son had for them.

He said in his bid to support the fishing industry for safe storage of fish, especially during bumper harvest, a modern fish processing plant was being built at Elmina. He hinted that the project was about 80 per cent complete and assured the fisher folks that cold stores would be built at Prampram, Nyanyanano and Kormantse. He said others will be built at Shama, Sekondi Takoradi and Half Assini in the Western Region for safe keeping of fish.

The President added that plans were underway to import 3000 Yamaha outboard motors from Japan for fishermen across the country.

Already, a total of 1000 outboard motors have been distributed to some fishermen, he disclosed and promised that more will be distributed soon.

Government has subsidized the motors by 30 per cent and beneficiaries are required to pay on installment.

The Omanhene of Edina traditional area, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI expressed his appreciation to the President for the infrastructural development the municipality has enjoyed under his government.

Source: GNA

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