The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has launched an innovative Digital Retail Fuel Monitoring System developed by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in Accra.
Launching the programme in Accra yesterday Dr Bawumia commended the NPA for leveraging on the government’s digitization drive to create an innovative solution to a major problem in the petroleum industry.
He said this initiative would not just improve the Petroleum Product Distribution System but would also go a long way to help Government in its effort to maximize the mobilization of revenue from petroleum products. Taxes and levies on petroleum products are major sources of revenue for the government in pursuing its developmental agenda.
Actions, decisions and policies of individuals and corporate bodies which results in petroleum product distribution leakages with consequential revenue losses to the State inhibit economic development and therefore have serious negative consequences on the developmental agenda of the government.
With this latest initiative of the Retail Outlet Fuel Monitoring System, we look forward to the realization of blocking revenue leakages and improved revenue mobilization that would contribute towards Government’s efforts to bridge its budget deficit and meet set targets in providing social services and funding for infrastructural development.
He said one of the critical areas of concern to government over the years has been in the distribution of Premix Fuel to our fisher folks. The huge subsidies on premix fuel makes it attractive for people engaged in illicit activities to divert the product to retail outlets.
As Government, we have been concerned when subsidized premix fuel meant for our fisher folks to enhance their economic activity and improve their livelihoods do not reach them. As part of its efforts to sanitize the distribution of premix fuel and the management of the associated subsidies, the Government in 2018 5 launched a process to digitize the distribution of Premix Fuel in the Country.
The vice president commended the NPA for adding impetus to this process by establishing this fuel monitoring system. I am happy to note that the NPA is already working on plans to extend the Fuel Monitoring System to the various landing beaches with the provision of a fully automated mobile tank and pump systems complimented by the use of electronic cash card for subsidy management. This will in no doubt help reduce, if not completely eliminate the abuse in the distribution of Premix Fuel and bring great joy to our fisher folks and their families.
The Minister for Energy, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, urged stakeholders in the petroleum industry to exhibit patriotism and join hands with the NPA to help curb illegal activities in the interest of the state.
He also urged all to embrace innovation in order to make Ghana a better place for all.
