Lake fishermen want premix fuel distribution maintained

Tema, Jan 16, GNA - The Lake Region Fishermen Association of Ghana (LRFAG) has appealed to President John Evans Atta Mills to maintain the present system of distribution of premix fuel, describing it as the best.

The Association hailed the present system of distributing premix fuel which fishermen in collaboration with the Tema Oil Refinery, National Security and Bureau of National Investigation are directly involved.

The appeal, contained in a message signed by Mr Castro Mediale and Mr Otis Mlagada, chairman and general secretary also congratulated President Mills and the NDC government for the victory. According to the Association "the involvement of premix committees or intermediaries in the management of premix oil did not help us in the past and we hope as the father of the land the President will listen to our concerns and maintain the current distribution of system".

The Association further appealed to the new administration to support its members to promote "cage and pen fishing" known as aquaculture to enhance lake fish production in the country. The members also called for the availability and affordability price of fishing nets and outboard motors, while credit facilities should also be made easily accessible to improve their output. The congratulatory message noted that President Mill's victory in the elections is a source of inspiration to members of the Association. According to the members the victory is an indication that with perseverance, determination and commitment to a course in life, success crowns at the appropriate time. The message lauded the President's assertion of being a father to all Ghanaians, saying, this would go a long way to deepening the nation's young democracy and propelling the socio-economic development agenda of the country further. The Association expressed optimism that President Mills would give the needed attention to the development of the fishing industry to ensure the full realization of the economic inherent in the sector. The LRFFAG formed in 1999 has more than 10,000 members and operate along lakes in the Eastern, Volta, Northern and Brong Ahafo regions.