Fishermen ‘clash’ on live radio over alleged misuse of premix fuel

A radio debate between several fishing industry officials about the suspected abuse of premix fuel broke out.

This came about because John Quayson, also known as Maanoma, the leader of the fisherman at Elmina in the Central area, claimed that fishermen were being underpaid.

He said that abuse and poor management had been documented since the installation of a new Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System.

Maanoma said that although five gasoline tankers were designated for the distribution of premix fuel, they are not being used as intended on Wednesday’s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Adom FM.

He further claimed that following the system’s inauguration by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, premix gasoline was stolen from its authorized distribution site.

Maanoma claims that the premix gasoline was supplied to party polling station executives to distribute to the fishermen rather than being distributed at the commissioning grounds.

“Recently, two petrol tankers arrived, but instead of taking the fuel to the commissioning grounds, they were taken elsewhere for distribution among certain individuals. This has raised concerns among the fishermen, as they believe the fuel should be fairly distributed to benefit the entire fishing community” he said.

Joojo Solomon, President of the National Canoe Owners Association, was furious at the accusations, though.

He rejected Maanoma’s assertions, calling them unfounded and incorrect.

He said that because Maanoma obtains and distributes premix gasoline via dubious practices, he is actually somewhat responsible for all of the accusations.

“You are a thief! you have no credibility when it comes to matters of premix fuel. Stop accusing people wrongly when indeed you are number one suspect when it comes to stealing of fuel” Mr. Solomon fumed.

He claimed that contrary to what Maanoma would have people believe, he has never diverted premix gasoline to the detriment of fisherman.

“I had no record of misusing premix fuel, unlike John Quayson (Maanoma), who has been the source of all the issues in the premix distribution system” he added.

Mr. Solomon urged Maanoma to modify his behavior and cease disparaging Dr. Bawumia’s reputation.

Maanoma responded by asserting that all he wants is to make sure that the fisherman receive the premix fuel they are due.

On September 5, 2023, Dr. Bawumia opened the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System in Elmina, Central Region.

According to him, the method sought to enable fishermen to immediately acquire the precise amount of premix fuel they need, doing away with the need for middlemen and intermediaries in the process.