Fishermen operating at the various landing beaches along the coast of the Volta region have bemoaned the shortage of premix fuel which they say is taking a toll on their operations.
According to the Volta regional Vice Chief Fisherman, Seth Kedey, the shortage of the product has compelled the fishermen to resort to the buying of super and diesel to carry out their fishing activities and that additional cost at the fuel pumps would have to be transferred to the consumer, a situation likely to affect the price of fish this festive season.
“The fisherfolks are compelled to purchase fuel meant for vehicles (petrol) and mixed with engine oil to embark on fishing trips – it is a well known fact that once petroleum prices go up, the price of goods and services also go up,” he said.
“We now, spend GH¢ 400.00 – 500.00 for one yellow gallon and almost GH¢ 600.00 worth of engine oil on one fishing trip, and this is contributing to the high prices of fish in recent times. You could in the recent past get a bowl (jetto) of fish for about GH¢400 and GH¢500, but now it’s about GH¢1000,” the chief fisherman lamented.
Meanwhile, fisher folks fear that if government does not resume the supply of the product to the landing beaches, their living conditions would worsen and might eventually collapse their businesses.
The regional vice Chairman has therefore called on the appropriate authorities to respond quickly to these happenings in the fishing sector “so that we can remain in business to take care of our families”
By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako || ghananewsonline.com.gh