Fueling Ghana’s Fishing Future: Senanu Dekutse’s bold plan to overhaul premix fuel distribution

-

Ghana’s fishing communities, which are at the heart of the nation’s food security and economic resilience, face a critical challenge: the inefficient and often corrupt distribution of Premix Fuel.

This essential resource, which powers the vessels of thousands of fisherfolk, has been plagued by shortages and mismanagement, leaving communities struggling to maintain their livelihoods.

Senanu F. Dekutse, a respected downstream petroleum consultant and former General Manager of Sephem Oil, has proposed bold reforms to restore equity and efficiency to the sector. His vision is centered on empowering fisherfolk through a fairer, more transparent Premix Fuel system.

Key Proposals for Empowerment

  1. Reducing Subsidy Dependency for Sustainability
    Dekutse argues that the government’s heavy subsidies on Premix Fuel—currently set at 50%—are unsustainable and have created a cycle of debt and scarcity. By reducing the subsidy to 25%, or eliminating it altogether, the government could free up resources to invest in alternative support systems. For fisherfolk, this would mean more consistent access to fuel rather than periodic shortages caused by unpaid debts to Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs).

The proposal envisions a support framework that ensures affordability without relying entirely on subsidies, such as offering tax incentives or price stabilization schemes for fisherfolk.

  1. Ending the Monopoly of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)
    The exclusivity granted to TOR in blending Premix Fuel has been a bottleneck for the sector, with frequent operational inefficiencies leading to delays and shortages. Dekutse proposes opening the market to private refineries and major BDCs under the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) oversight.

This approach would create competition, drive efficiency, and reduce costs, ensuring that fisherfolk receive their supplies on time and at fair prices. Additionally, Dekutse suggests allowing direct importation of Premix Fuel with government-backed guarantees for foreign refineries to stabilize supply chains.

  1. Transparent and Accountable Distribution Systems
    One of the most critical areas of reform lies in the distribution network, where corruption and inefficiencies, such as ghost landing beaches and middlemen, have left many fisherfolk empty-handed. Dekutse’s solution involves a robust monitoring system to track fuel from production to distribution, ensuring that it reaches the intended beneficiaries.

By eliminating these leakages, the reforms would restore trust in the system and allow fisherfolk to focus on their trade rather than grappling with accessibility issues.

A Future of Empowered Communities

With these reforms, Ghana’s fishing communities stand to benefit from a more equitable system that prioritizes their needs. Dekutse’s proposals, if implemented, would not only ensure consistent access to fuel but also promote the sustainable growth of the industry, empowering fisherfolk to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

The call to action is clear: it’s time to fix the system and give Ghana’s fisherfolk the tools they need to succeed.