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VP Bawumia Commissions Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing And Monitoring System
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System, a transformative project designed to redefine the landscape of Ghana’s fishing industry.
The groundbreaking initiative promises to eliminate the corruption, diversion and other bottlenecks associated with the supply and distribution of premix fuel, ushering in an era of efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Commissioning the project at Elmina in the Central region on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Vice President Bawumia explained that fisherfolk can now directly access the quantity of pre-mix fuel they require at the pumps, using their personalized Canoe Identification Cards containing their bio-and other data and linked to their vessels, instead of relying on middlemen and other interlocutors for supplies.
“The integration of such cutting-edge technology promises to put an end to the persistent issue of hoarding, which has cast a shadow on the fishing industry for far too long. By ensuring accurate and transparent tracking, the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System will guarantee that premix fuel reaches its intended recipients without delay, leveling the playing field for all stakeholders involved,” he noted.
“Indeed, transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of this project. We are resolute in our commitment to overcome any attempts at fraud, diversion, or illicit activities within the supply chain. Through real-time monitoring of fuel levels and transactions, we shall foster an environment of trust and integrity, wherein suppliers and consumers can partake in a fair and just system.”
The Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System is comprised of cutting edge technology, including dispensing control units, fuel level sensors, card utilization systems for authorization and access, and web and mobile applications for monitoring and generating reports. This comprehensive infrastructure ensures efficient tracking, transparent transactions, and accurate data collection, providing a strong foundation for the optimization of premix fuel distribution.
According to officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Automation System has a number of modules, allowing stakeholders to track and view in real time orders, transportation, delivery and fueling transactions.
31 Landing Beaches have been fitted with the pumps so far, with work on the others ongoing, according to officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. All outlets, according to the Ministry, will have remote access on authorized web devices allowing stakeholders to view in real time all transactions at each landing beach and eliminate the age-long issue of hoarding and other ills.
With the deployment of the Premix Automation Platform, the National Premix Secretariat will access real time data from their control centre to facilitate forecasting, and inventory management which avoids stockouts. Through proper logistics management, the data generated will be essential for re-ordering, whiles each order is carefully monitored and measured against delivery timelines to enhance delivery efficiency.
“Few projects hold the potential to transform lives and uplift communities as profoundly as the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System,” Dr Bawumia emphasized. “Its implications are not confined to the technical realm; instead, they ripple through the fabric of our society, touching the lives of our hardworking fisher folk, the suppliers, and the entire fishing industry ecosystem.”
Vice President Bawumia lauded the “very significant contribution” of the Ghanaian fishing industry to national development, noting that it not only sustains the livelihoods and social wellbeing of our people but also contributes substantially to the food security of the nation, and pledged Government’s continued focus on addressing the issues hampering their progress.
“As we celebrate the commissioning of the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System, let us recognize the vital role of the fishing industry in our nation’s pursuit of prosperity and commit to supporting its sustainable growth for the benefit of the people of Ghana. Together, let us work hand in hand to preserve this precious resource and forge a future where the Ghanaian fishing industry thrives, and contributes to the inclusive development of our country,” he urged.
Dr Bawumia also emphasized the linkages between technological advancement and economic development, pointing out that in “the 21st century, technology has emerged as a powerful catalyst for nation building, propelling countries towards progress, innovation, and prosperity. As we stand at the precipice of a digital revolution, it is essential to recognize the transformational role of technology in shaping the destiny of nations.
“As we celebrate the commissioning of the Premix Fuel Automation System today, we witness yet another manifestation of the government’s dedication to leveraging technology for the greater good. This transformative project, alongside numerous other digitization efforts, showcase the government’s vision to build a stronger, more prosperous Ghana—one that thrives on the wings of innovation and technological advancements.”
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
