Bawumia commissions Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has inaugurated the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System, a transformative initiative designed to redefine the fisheries industry in Ghana.

The innovative project promises to eradicate the corruption, diversion, and other bottlenecks associated with the supply and distribution of premix fuel, ushering in a new era of efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Vice President Bawumia explained at the project's inauguration in Elmina in the Central Region on Tuesday, September 5 that fishermen can now directly access the quantity of pre-mix fuel they require at the pumps, using personalized Canoe Identification Cards containing their bio- and other data and linked to their vessels, rather than relying on middlemen and other intermediaries for supplies.

"The incorporation 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 ensure that premix fuel reaches its intended recipients without delay, creating a level playing field for all parties involved," he explained.

Indeed, accountability and transparency are the pillars of this endeavor. We are committed to defeating any attempts at fraud, diversion, or illegal activity within the supply chain. Through real-time monitoring of fuel levels and transactions, we will cultivate an atmosphere of trust and integrity in which both suppliers and consumers can participate in a fair and equitable system."

The Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System consists 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 report generation. This comprehensive infrastructure ensures efficient monitoring, transparent transactions, and accurate data collection, providing a solid foundation for optimizing the distribution of premix fuel.

According to Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture officials, the Automation System is comprised of a number of modules that enable stakeholders to monitor and view in real time orders, transportation, delivery, and fueling transactions.

According to Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture officials, thirty-one Landing Beaches have been outfitted with the pumps, and work is proceeding on the remaining beaches.

According to the Ministry, all retail outlets will have remote access on authorized web devices, allowing stakeholders to view in real time all transactions at each landing beach, thereby eradicating the age-old problem of hoarding and other maladies.

With the implementation of the Premix Automation Platform, the National Premix Secretariat will have access to real-time data from their control center in order to improve forecasting and inventory management, thereby preventing stockouts. The data generated by proper logistics management will be essential for re-ordering, while each order is closely monitored and measured against delivery timelines to improve delivery efficiency.

Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the Automated Premix Fuel Dispensing and Monitoring System has the potential to transform lives and advance communities in a manner comparable to few other initiatives. "Its ramifications are not limited to the technical realm; rather, they permeate the social fabric, affecting the lives of our hardworking fishermen, 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 well-being of our people, but also contributes significantly to the nation's food security, and he pledged that the government would continue to address the obstacles impeding their development.

"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 pledge to support its sustainable development for the benefit of the Ghanaian people. Together, he urged, "let's preserve this precious resource and forge a future in which the Ghanaian fishing industry thrives and contributes to the inclusive development of our nation."

Dr. Bawumia also emphasized the connections between technological development and economic growth, noting that "in the 21st century, technology has emerged as a powerful catalyst for nation building, propelling nations toward progress, innovation, and prosperity." As we stand on the precipice of a digital revolution, it is crucial to acknowledge the transformative role of technology in determining the destinies of nations.

"Today, as we commemorate the inauguration of the Premix Fuel Automation System, we see yet another example of the government's commitment to utilizing technology for the greater good. This transformative project, along with numerous other digitization initiatives, exemplifies the government's desire to construct a stronger, more prosperous Ghana—one that thrives on the wings of innovation and technological progress."