Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Hon. Emilia Arthur has revealed that in the early hours of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, operatives from National Security, in collaboration with the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, carried out a successful intelligence-led operation at Tapa Abotoase in the Oti Region, leading to the arrest of two individuals involved in illegal premix fuel activities.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Hon. Emilia Arthur addressing the media
Addre8ssing the media at the Government Accountability Series at Jubilee House on Wednesday, the Minister revealed that among those arrested is a notorious female operator, identified as Afitor
“The operation was based on actionable intelligence gathered by the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, which facilitated a swift and coordinated intervention by National Security operatives.
The suspects are currently being transported to Accra for further investigations and the necessary legal action”, Hon Arthur stressed.
She said Illegal trade and diversion of premix fuel have long undermined the livelihoods of genuine fisherfolk, costing the state millions of cedis in lost subsidies annually.
“Over the past decade, investigations have uncovered several instances of collusion between fuel smugglers and unscrupulous middlemen, leading to persistent shortages and price distortions”, she noted.
The SHAMA Member of Parliament later revealed that the Ministry is reconstituting LBCs nationwide to eliminate inactive and ineffective committees as part of measures to curtail the illegal sale of the premix fuel adding that the new committees will be formed through transparent, community-led processes to enhance local accountability.
“At the start of 2025, only one Bulk Distribution Company (BDC) supplied premix fuel. The Ministry has now engaged five additional BDCs, resulting in the supply of 14.2 million litres between February and June 2025. This diversification strengthens supply reliability and eliminates bottlenecks”, the Minister stressed.
According to her Premix fuel is now delivered directly from the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to landing beaches, bypassing intermediaries adding that this reform ensures equitable access and reduces corruption and diversion.
“A comprehensive audit of all LBCs (2017–2024) is underway. Any financial wrongdoing will be prosecuted. Quarterly financial reporting and independent oversight mechanisms are being introduced to improve transparency”, she emphasized.
Hon. Arthur reiterated that the Ministry’s goal in premix management, is to activate all 83 automated stations where tanks have been installed adding that real-time tracking and digital accountability will remain central to delivery processes.
The Minister also touched on the gains chalked by the Ministry including
Passage of The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, Ratification of The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
And Implementation of The 2025 Closed Season.
The rest are Fisheries Enforcement Measures, Aquaculture Development
And Strengthening Fish Health and Biosecurity.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
