Gomoa West DCE calls for transparency in management of premix proceeds
The Gomoa West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Theophilus Aidoo-Mensah, has appealed to the Apam Landing Beach Committee to be transparent in the management of the proceeds from the sale of premix fuel to fishermen.
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He said if the committee was transparent in its dealings with the fishing community concerning the use of the proceeds from the sale of the premix fuel, it would help prevent acrimony between the committee members and the fisherfolks.
He noted that periodic rendering of accounts to the fishermen would help do away with speculations of embezzlement that often characterised the operations of landing beach committees.
Mr Aidoo-Mensah made the appeal when the Apam Landing Beach Committee rendered account to the fishing community for the period between 2011 and 2014 at Apam.
The committee had not rendered account for the sale of premix fuel since 2011, and, therefore, used the occasion to explain to the fisher folks how it had used the profits accrued from the sale of the premix fuel.
The DCE disclosed that the management of the proceeds was in the hands of the committee, although he had to give approval before funds could be accessed from the account for the purpose of undertaking certain projects, among other things.
He advised the committee members to regularly engage the fisherfolks to explain to them the state of the premix account so that they would not feel neglected, since the premix and the proceeds from its sale belonged to them.
Again, he urged them to be diligent and desist from transporting the fuel to nearby sale points, adding that such a move would create unhealthy rivalry in the area.
He assured the fishermen that he would ensure an increase in the supply of their premix so that they could easily have access to it to enhance their operations.
The Paramount Chief of Apam, Obotantam Edu Effrim X, lauded the committee for rendering account to the community after four years, since it had helped clear people’s doubts about the use of the proceeds from the sale of the fuel.
He, however, advised the committee to make the accounts more detailed with relevant receipts attached so that members of the community would better appreciate its work and have their fears allayed.
The Landing Beach Committee Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Crentsil, giving details of the account earlier, said the committee in 2011 dislodged two public toilets at the cost of GH¢2,000, purchased 200 pieces of street lights at a cost of GH¢19,500.00, assisted three students in their education with GH¢1,400.00, erected a bridge stopper at Mamfam at the cost of GH¢750, as well as supported 100 women with loans worth GH¢10,000.
The rest are GH¢4,500 contribution towards the Apam festival in 2011 and 2012, goodwill fuel for taxi drivers at Apam, Mumford and Ankamu at a cost of GH¢2,555.00 in 2012.
He stated that the committee in 2012 purchased extra bulbs and switches at the cost of GH¢1,450.00, as well as contributed GH¢3,000 towards the construction of a bridge at Apam.
He said another GH¢3,000 was given to Apofomanfo in 2013 towards the construction of a house at the beach, and the erection of light poles, which cost GH¢650.00, to improve security in the area. It also provided GH¢1,000.00 to support community activities for this year.