The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has paid more than GH¢174 million in premix fuel debt to suppliers as part of efforts to clear legacy under-recovery obligations and restore confidence in the premix fuel supply chain.
The payments are expected to improve the stability and reliability of premix distribution while supporting ongoing reforms in Ghana’s fisheries sector.
Speaking at the Ministry’s Mid-Year Media Engagement in Accra, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, disclosed that the government had paid GH¢174,310,704.45 out of total premix fuel debt accruals of GH¢255,858,803.45 covering 2025 and the period from January to May 2026.
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According to the Minister, GH¢156,911,773.18 was paid in 2025, clearing all outstanding premix obligations for that year.
A further GH¢17,398,931.27 was paid for the period from January to May 2026, leaving an outstanding balance of GH¢81,548,099.00.
Madam Arthur said the government supplied 22.41 million litres of premix fuel to beneficiary fishing communities across the country between January and June 2026.
She said the volume represented an increase of more than 58 per cent compared with the same period in 2025 and more than 20 per cent above the corresponding period in 2024.
“This represents an increase of more than 58 per cent compared with the same period in 2025 and more than 20 per cent above the corresponding period in 2024. This improvement reflects our determination to ensure that fishing communities have a more predictable and reliable supply of premix,” she said.
The Minister said the increased supply formed part of government efforts to ensure that fishermen and fishing communities have consistent access to premix fuel for their operations.
Oversight of funds
Madam Arthur also disclosed that the Ministry had strengthened oversight of Community Development Funds generated from premix fuel sales following concerns about their management.
She said audits and reconciliations involving approximately GH¢4.98 million had been completed in 42 of Ghana’s 60 fisheries districts as of June 2026.
The exercise represents 70 per cent national coverage, according to the Minister.
The audits identified several financial management challenges, including delayed deposits, poor bookkeeping and unauthorised expenditure.
In response, the Ministry has organised bookkeeping and financial management training for Landing Beach Committees and other stakeholders in the fisheries sector.
Digitising distribution
The Fisheries Ministry is also using technology to strengthen transparency and accountability in the distribution of premix fuel.
Madam Arthur said the government was digitising the premix fuel distribution system to improve monitoring and reduce opportunities for manipulation.
“Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in our reforms. We are digitising Ghana’s premix fuel distribution system to improve transparency and reduce opportunities for manipulation,” she said.
She disclosed that 138 of the planned 157 automation sites had been completed and equipped, with 74 sites currently operational.
Twenty-four of the operational sites were commissioned during the first half of 2026.
The Minister said the National Premix Fuel Secretariat’s Premix Tracker and Dashboard had also improved monitoring, accountability and decision-making across the premix fuel supply chain.
The reforms, she said, are aimed at creating a more transparent and efficient premix fuel distribution system while ensuring that fishing communities receive a reliable supply of the product.
GNA