MOFAD Engages Fisheries Groups On Premix Fuel Automation
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) and the National Premix Fuel Secretariat(NPFS) have held a national consultative meeting on the automation of premix fuel supply.
The meeting had key fisheries groups and cooperatives in attendance and afforded the ministry an opportunity to explain the broad concept and relevance of the project as well as possible funding options for the rollout of the project across the country.
Work on the automation of premix fuel supply continues to gather steam following the approval of cabinet for the project to commence.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon.Mavis Hawa Koomson(centre)
In her remarks, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson expressed satisfaction on the progress of work leading to the full rollout of the project and assured fishermen and other stakeholders that the project would curb most of the challenges associated the premix fuel supply chain.
“The vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia tasked me upon my assumption of office to work hard to bring government expectation of a fully automated premix fuel supply chain to fruition as a way of improving the sub-sector. The effort being channelled towards this project is a reflection of governments emphasis on digitization as a means of achieving efficiency and transparency in government business.”
The ministry has prioritised stakeholder engagement ahead of the implementation of the project having already engaged with Oil Marketing Companies(OMCS) and the leadership of the industry.
Stakeholder present at the meeting include National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council(NICFC), Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council(GNCFC), National Fisheries Association of Ghana(NAFAG), National Fish Processors and Traders association (NAFPTA), Ghana Inshore Fishermen Association(GIFA).
The Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System is expected to complement existing strategies being implemented to address the challenges associated with the allocation, distribution and sale of Premix Fuel in Ghana including the Canoe Identification System (CIS).
A prototype of The Automated Fuel Dispensing System
The Automated Fuel Dispensing System would consist of dispensing control units, fuel level sensors for monitoring of fuel levels, card utilization system for authorisation and access, web and mobile applications for monitoring, control and generating of reports.
Having successfully launched the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing Unit at Nungua, Accra in December 2019, a nationwide rollout of the project is expected soon.
A Cross-Section of Stakeholders at The Meeting
Some benefits of the system as realized from the pilot phase include: Easy payment, effective tracking and Transparency and Payment flexibility; effectively solving perennial challenges like Prolonged waiting time, Low customer satisfaction, Rush hour challenges, Lack of trust and transparency and general transaction tracking hassles.
Source: Samuel Owusu-Aduomi
