Deputy Minister cautions chief fishermen

Elmina, Aug 18, GNA - The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Fisheries, Nii Amasah Namoale, on Tuesday, cautioned chief fishermen against meddling in politics, as this could breed a misunderstanding among fishing communities and retard their progress. He told the chief fishermen that politicizing premix issues and other others concerning them could affect the overall development of fishing communities and that they should instead, chart the way forward to facilitate the needed development.

Nii Namoale said these, when he inaugurated an office for the Central Region branch of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen's Council (GNCFC) at Elmina.

The inauguration, coincided with the presentation of equipment worth GH¢3,200 including a computer, fax machine, printer, photocopier and office furniture, to the office by Oando Ghana Limited, an oil marketing company.

"Take politics out of premix fuel and other issues" he advised, and stressed that profits accruing from the sale of premix fuel was not for chief fishermen but the whole community.

He urged them to lodge such profits in a bank account and regularly meet their communities to decide on the development projects and not to take unilateral decisions on what to do with the money.

Nii Namoale also charged the executives of the Council to be transparent, democratic and accountable to its members to ensure harmony at all times and to contact the Ministry with their grievances for redress instead of rushing to the press.

He reiterated the need for Ghanaians to take President Mills at his word, that he is "President for all Ghanaians" and forge ahead in unity to help build a better Ghana, adding "let us put politics aside for now and consider the progress of our nation".

Nana Jojo Solomon, chief fisherman of Elmina said the office would enable members of the council to interact regularly with the Premix Secretariat, to help monitor and curb the diversion of the fuel. He pledged that the council would partner the government in its bid to develop the fishing industry.

Mr Tsuwa Thompson, Country Manager of Oando Ghana Ltd said the donation of the equipment and furniture was in response to an appeal made by the council and hoped the establishment of the office would complement government's efforts in curtailing the diversion of premix fuel.