Fisherfolk in Ghana will soon switch from using expensive premix fuel to rechargeable outboard motors as the government rolls out a pilot project to introduce renewable energy-powered boat engines.

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The initiative, led by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, aims to cut down fuel costs and reduce pollution.

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Energy Minister John Jinapor, speaking at a four-day policy dialogue themed “Accelerating Energy Transition in Ghana,” and hosted by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), emphasized the project’s benefits.

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“Most of our fisherfolk use what we call premix, which is essentially a mixture of petrol and oil. However, new technology now allows the use of rechargeable outboard motors, even with solar panels,” he explained.

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The minister highlighted that similar projects have been successfully implemented in other countries, and Ghana is taking steps to follow suit.

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“This pilot project will transition many of our fisherfolk  fisherfolk will switch from fossil fuel-based outboard motors to rechargeable, renewable outboard motors,” he added.

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The transition to renewable energy for fishing is expected to provide long-term savings for fisherfolk while contributing to Ghana’s efforts to lower carbon emissions.

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The policy dialogue is scheduled to run from March 5 to 8, 2025, in Accra, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and investors to discuss the country’s energy future.

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Last year, the Director of Environment and Natural Resource Research Initiative (ENRRI-EfD Ghana) Professor Wisdom Akpalu, reprted that 90 per cent of fisherfolks in a study conducted by his outfit want the premix subsidy removed. 

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He mentioned that concerns were raised over the framework of allocating premix fuel subsidy, as it was often fraught with numerous challenges, notably shortages and diversion. 

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On the above basis, Vice Chairperson of Ghana National Canoe Fishing Council, was certain that subsidy on premix fuel needed to be withdrawn by the Government. 

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Hence, the new initiative if successfully implemented, could mark a significant step towards reducing Ghana’s reliance on fossil fuels while improving the livelihoods of coastal communities.

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