Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has vowed to investigate the alleged misappropriation of 53% of premix fuel profits meant for community development under the previous government.
She made the announcement on Thursday during her working visit to Kpando, a fishing community in the Volta Region.
According to the minister, premix fuel is subsidized by the government, which absorbs some of the price.
She explained that when Premix is sold, the profit is shared between the landing beach committee and the community where the landing beaches are located.
According to her, the Landing Beach committee retains 47% of the profit, while the community receives 53% for development projects within the community.
However, Emelia Arthur revealed that over the past eight years, the 53% share meant for community development has not been accounted for.
She expressed her determination to track down the missing funds, saying
“In the past when we were in government when you go to some communities, they used the profit to build chip compounds, schools, to give scholarships to the children of the community, now in the last 8 years that premix has been sold, the 53% has not been accounted for”
“Wherever that 53% is, whatever hole it has entered, I am entering that hole to bring it out.”
The Minister warned that persons responsible for the alleged missing funds may face investigation by Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) or other law enforcement bodies.
She indicated that her commitment to recover the said missing funds is to ensure that the intended community development projects are implemented to benefit the various fishing communities.
The minister’s visit to Kpando is part of her efforts to engage with fishing communities and address their concerns.
Source: Emmanuel Coffie || RadioGoldLive