Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu-Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson says Ghanaians prefer the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia over the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President John Dramani Mahama.
In an interview on February 20 with Nana Yaa Brefo and Isaac Ekow JB on Yen Nsempa, the politician asserted that Ghanaians have experienced and witnessed the performance of former President John Dramani Mahama, which is nothing to write home about, hence their preference for the NPP and its leadership.
She disclosed that the flagbearer of the NPP has, in his supporting role, contributed greatly to the party and was the ‘’brain behind the 307 ambulances distributed to the National Ambulance Service, in fulfilment of his 2016 campaign pledge’ all while serving as an aid and support to President Akufo-Addo.
She also emphasized Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s efforts in addressing fuel diversion issues within the fishing community, leading to the implementation of fuel automation centres across the country.
Highlighting progress in this endeavour, Hawa Koomson mentioned that out of the targeted 300 fuel automation centres, 50 have been completed, with more underway. She expressed optimism about completing the project by September, which would alleviate longstanding issues surrounding fuel distribution and accessibility.
“It is all due to His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, there was a lot of diversion in the fuel being used by fisher folks, we were not able to maximise resources because of this, it was dragging progress. You will find middlemen having access to the fuel and selling it at higher prices to people.
“When Bawumia came to the office, he critically analysed the situation and said no, this wouldn’t help, I equally didn’t like the situation hence I was very willing to work and take counsel from him and his outfit to ensure the fuel automation is realised,” he said.
Madam Hawa Koomson stressed the positive impact of these initiatives on Ghanaian fishermen, who now benefit from streamlined access to fuel without facing exploitation or shortages.
According to her, Ghana has benefitted a lot because hitherto when these structures weren’t in place in Elmina, fuel couldn’t last while its purpose for being discharged wasn’t realised either.
“But today when we send the fuel, it doesn’t finish within an hour like in the past. sitting in my office I can monitor where the truck is moving from area to area to be discharged into the tank, it’s easy to monitor,” she said.
She emphasized the transparency and efficiency brought about by the fuel automation system, which enables better monitoring and management of fuel distribution.
Background
Addressing the nation on February 7, in Accra, the Vice President said he has learnt lessons from the seven years of the Akufo-Addo government and reviewed his visions for the country.
And as he’s served “like a driver’s mate. if, by the Grace of God, you make me President, I will be in the driver’s seat with constitutionally mandated authority to pursue my vision and my priorities.”
“Clearly, the initial conditions that we inherited in 2017 are not the same as will be in 2025. Therefore, my priorities will be different. We have done many good things and I will be seeking to build on them,” he noted.
Meanwhile, The NPP government last year commissioned premix fuel automation machines to dispense fuel to fisherfolk in Elmina in the Central Region.
The groundbreaking project promises to transform the supply and distribution of premix fuel in Ghana and is expected to take the management of premix fuel to the next level, revolutionizing the operations of fisher folk and boosting the sector’s overall productivity.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Premix fuel automation project in Elmina, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said the issue of corruption and protocol distribution of premix fuel across the country will be a thing of the past with the introduction of the automation system.
The Vice President further noted that the introduction of automated machines will also help reduce hoarding in the fishing sector.
Dr. Bawumia noted that the fishing industry has been a reliable source of employment for the majority of coastal dwellers thus the need to streamline their activities.
The Vice President noted that the move will also increase consistency in the fish value chain.
By Lois Dogbe
