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Bawumia announces plan to introduce solar-powered outboard motors to curb premix fuel issues
The Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced what he has called, a bold solution to ending the age-old problems over premix fuel for fisherfolks.
Speaking at Saltpond in the Mfantseman constituency during his on-going campaign tour of the Central Region, Dr. Bawumia said, after many attempts to deal with the issue of premix fuel for fisherfolks, including the setting up of automated dispensing machines at various landing beaches and fishing communities, which have not completely dealt with the issue, he has come up with a new. bold solution – the introduction of solar-powered outboard motors, which he stressed, will permanently address the problem.
“When we came into office, we brought premix automation. And in Mfantseman here and other places, we have pre mix automation machines. But when you look at the premix problems, we have not addressed all. We still have problems with the premix so I have been thinking a lot and discussing how we are going to solve the problem permanently,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“We need a permanent solution to this problem because every time we move, we don’t solve the problem permanently. So I have finished some discussions and by God’s grace, I believe we have a permanent solution to this problem,” Dr. Bawumia said, amidst loud cheers of endorsement.
He stressed, “I want us to move away from the dependence on premix fuel to solar power for the boats. Let’s go for solar power to power the boats. So, before the end of this year, we are going to pilot the solar power outboard motors.”
According to him, “With this, we will make the outboard motors available to the fishermen and they don’t need to buy premix anymore. Once the sun is shining, their batteries will be charging and they can go across.”
Dr. Bawumia added that once the fisherfolks get the solar powered outboard motors, there will no longer be the need to buy pre mix fuel to power outboard motors.
“We will have meetings with the fishermen on this in the next few weeks and the pilot programme will take place next month and we will start a whole new regime for fisherfolks because there is too much ‘kululu’ (fraud) in the premix matter,” he said.
“We will take them out of the way and we will give the fisherfolk outboard motors powered by solar and then we will solve the problem.”
Dr. Bawumia’s announcement attracted wild cheers from the crowd, which included members of the fishing community in Saltpond and surrounding villages.
The piloting of the solar powered outboard motors, Dr. Bawumia stated, will start most likely next month, so that the fisherfolks can be shown how it works.
News
Minister of Health appeals to Tamale Teaching Hospital striking doctors
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has appealed to the striking doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to calll off the suspension and come to the negotiation table.
However, he refused to apologise as demanded by the striking doctors.
The doctors after a meeting yesterday have withdrawn emergency services following the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital.
This follows an unannounced visit to the hospital by the Minister on Tuesday.
The Minister made the appeal when addressing the media in Accra on Today, April 24 2025.
According to him, dialogue is the only way out to resolve the issue, adding that he was ready collaborate with them.
“I am prepared for us to come around the table and discuss whatever we need to discuss,” Mr Akandoh said.
“My humble appeal to my wonderful medical doctors and health professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let’s call off the strike and let’s all regroup and strategise going forward,” he concluded.
News
Health Minister donates medical equipment to Tamale Teaching Hospital, pledges commitment to reforms
The Minister for Health Kwabena Miintah Akandoh has reiterated government’s commitment to address long-standing challenges in the health sector, describing the health system as one that requires urgent reform and collective responsibility.
He made these remarks during a donation of some essential medical equipment and supplies to the Tamale Teaching Hospital on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
The donation included a wide range of equipment such as ECG machines, ICU ventilators, cardiac monitors, anesthesia machines, infant incubators, and essential
Consumables amounting to about 35 items.
Among the items highlighted were
Emergency Health Equipment (EHE) sets, nebulizer sets, and medical-grade towels.
The Health Minister acknowledged the difficult working conditions health professionals continue to endure and emphasized that government efforts alone would not be enough to resolve systemic issues.
He called for unity across the health sector and urged all stakeholders, including medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to work together to ensure that the country’s limited resources are used efficiently.
He noted that the wellbeing of the ordinary Ghanaian should be central to healthcare delivery, cautioning against practices that marginalize the underprivileged due to resource scarcity. According to him, every Ghanaian life is valuable, and the system must reflect that belief in both policy and practice.
Mr.Akandoh stressed that his leadership approach is rooted in humility, collaboration, and respect for all health workers. While acknowledging that change may come with challenges, he maintained that cooperation is key to achieving lasting improvements in the sector.
The Minister pleaded with health professionals in the Tamale Teaching Hospital to call off the strike and regroup to strategize on more effective ways to address their concerns through dialogue and collaboration with relevant authorities.
The donation to the Tamale Teaching Hospital forms part of a broader national initiative to modernize medical infrastructure and enhance service delivery in Ghana’s healthcare.
