Interim Premix committee for Elmina accounts for its stewardship

Elmina (C/R), Feb 13, GNA- The Interim Management Committee (IMC) on Premix Fuel at Elmina, on Tuesday rendered an account of its stewardship to the fishing community in the township and declared a profit of 42 million cedis.

Of the amount, 21 million cedis, is to be used for development projects in the community.

The Secretary to the committee, Mr Joseph Hemans Asmah, said the committee, which was put in place about three months ago, had since November last year, taken direct delivery of 12 loads of fuel from the Tema Oil Refinery, while the regional committee had also augmented the township's stock with 18 loads.

It would be recalled that the committee was instituted by the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, following the failure of the then chairman of the local premix committee, Nana Jojo Solomon to render account for more than 250 million cedis being profit accrued from the sale of 78 loads of the fuel.

Mr Asmah, gave a breakdown with regard to the disbursement of the remaining 21 million cedis profit, and explained that among others, a percentage is paid to the chief fisherman and pump attendants as commission.

He assured the community, that the Committee would work to the best of its ability to help ensure its development. The District Chief Executive, Mr Frank Asmah, who was present at the meeting, said the committee had been asked to render account every three months to promote transparency and accountability in the sale of the fuel to enable the community to deliberate on what the profits should be used for.

He asked the community to form a seven-member committee to decide on projects, and pledged the assembly's support. During an open forum, the fishermen were divided as to what to use the 21 million cedis for. While some suggested that it should be used to purchase a standby boat, for the rescue of distressed fishermen on the high seas, others wanted it to be used to buy books for their children at the basic school level.

For his part, the Regional Premix Coordinator, Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed urged the fishermen to ensure that the committee continues with the accountability. 13 Feb 07