The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has vowed to eradicate corruption in the distribution of premix fuel and subsidy support to fishermen if the NDC wins power in the upcoming elections.
Speaking at a durbar of Chiefs and residents in Shama, she expressed concerns over the current situation where non-fishermen are exploiting the sale of premix fuel, thereby denying genuine fishermen their rightful access to resources essential for their livelihood.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that an NDC government would ensure transparency in the allocation of premix fuel and fishing gear, contrasting this with what she described as the secretive approach of the current government. She highlighted that under the present administration, corruption has significantly undermined the fair distribution of resources meant for fishermen, further aggravating the challenges faced by the fishing community.
Recalling her own experiences from visiting fishing communities, she stressed the difficulties genuine fishermen endure due to the lack of fair access to premix fuel and other essential supplies. She stated, “When we were in government and used to give fishing gears like fishing nets, premix, or outboard motors to fishermen, it was done openly. Now there is so much secrecy in the sale of premix fuel. We now have people who are not fishermen but doing business with premix fuel.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who is herself from a fishing community, underscored her understanding of the struggles of fishermen. “The fish harvested don’t come in party colors and are bought by all persons, so we have to take care of the fisherman,” she remarked. Her statement was met with strong support from the local audience, who have long felt the effects of what they see as unjust practices in the distribution of premix fuel.
Alongside Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Shama, Emelia Arthur, also spoke, criticizing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly deceiving the people of Shama. Arthur urged the residents to consider the NDC as a viable alternative, promising to address their longstanding grievances if elected.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s pledge to eradicate corruption in premix fuel sales was one of several key promises made during her three-day campaign tour of the Western Region. Throughout the tour, she visited multiple constituencies, including Shama, engaging with traders, chiefs, and residents. She used these interactions to address various development concerns, such as infrastructure, economic empowerment, and social welfare.
One of the major commitments highlighted during her campaign was the promise to improve road infrastructure in the region. According to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, many communities in the Western Region have suffered due to poor roads, which affect the transportation of goods, access to services, and overall economic growth. She assured the people that an NDC government would prioritize fixing these roads to enhance connectivity and boost local economies.
Another significant initiative outlined by Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was the creation of a Women’s Bank. She explained that the Women’s Bank would provide financial support to women entrepreneurs, thereby empowering them to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods. Additionally, she promised to implement a 24-hour economy, particularly in urban centers, to create more jobs and opportunities for the youth.
The Vice Presidential Candidate’s messages resonated with the traders and residents she met, especially in Tarkwa, where she received overwhelming support. The traders cited past achievements of the NDC in improving economic conditions and expressed hope that a return to power by the party would bring about renewed economic opportunities and growth.
The campaign tour in the Western Region is set to continue with visits to other constituencies, including Essikadu-Ketan, Sekondi, Takoradi, Effia, and Kwesimintsim. During these visits, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is expected to engage further with community leaders, traders, and residents to discuss their needs and present the NDC’s vision for addressing local challenges.
As the NDC Vice Presidential Candidate moves forward with her campaign, the promise to eliminate corruption in premix fuel sales remains a central theme. This pledge reflects the party’s broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, particularly in sectors that directly impact the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians.
While Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s campaign has been well-received by many in the Western Region, it also faces challenges from the ruling NPP, which has defended its record and dismissed the NDC’s claims as unfounded. However, for many residents and fishermen in the region, the promise of a more transparent and fair system for distributing premix fuel offers a compelling reason to consider the NDC as an alternative in the forthcoming elections.
In her concluding remarks during the durbar in Shama, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed her commitment to fighting corruption and improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. “I am from a fishing community, and I understand the sufferings of the fisherman,” she reiterated, urging the people to support the NDC’s efforts to bring about meaningful change.
With the campaign gaining momentum, the coming weeks will be crucial for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang and the NDC as they seek to connect with voters across the country and present their case for why they should be given the opportunity to lead the nation once again.
