Weak record-keeping, rather than lack of education, has been identified as one of the major threats to accountability in the premix fuel distribution system.
Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, Ebow Mensah, said inaccurate stock records and incomplete documentation continue to undermine transparency at some landing beaches, even where fuel is available.
“One of the challenges we have identified this year is inaccurate stock recording and incomplete documentation of premix supply and sales,” Mr Mensah said. “This is basic arithmetic. With the barest minimum level of education, anybody should be able to do this correctly.”
He explained that poor records make it difficult for communities to verify how much fuel was received, how much was sold, what profit was made, and how much should accrue to the 53 per cent community development fund required under L.I. 2233.
To address the problem, the Secretariat has introduced a Premix Fuel Returns Booklet, which is now being rolled out to landing beach committees.
“This booklet becomes the sole document covering all premix transactions,” Mr Mensah said. “On the day fuel is received, it is recorded. When it is sold, even if it is sold days later, depending on market days, that is recorded. The profit is shown, the 53 per cent is clearly indicated, and the responsible person signs.”
In addition to the returns booklet, a logbook system has been introduced to track daily activities and strengthen audit trails.
According to Mr Mensah, these controls are designed not only to prevent diversion but also to protect honest committees from suspicion and conflict.
“When records are clear and consistent, communities do not have to guess. They can see the figures, confirm the bank deposits, and decide together what development projects to pursue,” he said.
He added that improving documentation is essential to safeguarding the credibility of the premix subsidy itself.
“If the public begins to see premix margins as private rent rather than community development funds, it becomes difficult to defend the subsidy,” Mr Mensah warned. “Accountability is what keeps the system alive.”
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