Fisherfolk in Moree, a seaside town located in the Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese constituency in the Central Region, have complained to the flagbearer of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo about hardships imposed on them by the Mahama administration as far as keeping their livelihood is concerned, due to the high cost of premix fuel and outboard motors for fishing.

They expressed their frustration when the three-time flagbearer toured the area on Saturday, June 18 (day three of his five-day tour of the region).

A story-statement on Nana Akufo-Addo’s website said he got an “unprecedented welcome” ever accorded any NPP leader, adding that the presidential hopeful was “heralded into the town by thousands of residents, clad in NPP paraphernalia, amidst chants of ‘yeresesamu’ echoing across the town”.

The Chiefs and people of Moree, according to the website, lamented to Nana Akufo-Addo about the neglect of the town by the Mahama government, the result of which has been a “near collapse” of the fishing industry, coupled with “rising and unbearable” costs of living.

According to fisherfolk, in the last seven years, they have been unable to keep up with the prices of inputs needed for the smooth running of their operations. With the price of an outboard motor being GHC¢2,950 when President John Kufuor left office in 2008, they noted that the price had shot up to GHC12,000 under the Mahama-Amissah-Arthur administration.

Again, they indicated that a gallon of premix fuel sold at GHC1.80 when President Kufuor left office but is now selling at GHC7.30 a gallon, under President Mahama.

Nana Akufo-Addo, when he addressed the crowd, accused President John Mahama’s government of making life unbearable for fishing communities in the country.

Mr. Akufo-Addo promised the people of Moree that God-willing from January 2017, if he wins the November presidential poll, will “work hard to bring relief, progress, and prosperity to all Ghanaians”.

In his view, the suffering of the fishing community could be lessened had the Mahama government managed the country properly.

“The mismanagement of the economy by Mahama is the reason why you are now buying your outboard motors for GHC12,000. It is also for the same reason why you are buying premix fuel for GHC7.30 a gallon. It is only a change in government, the proper management of the economy and a stop to the theft of public resources that will enable us fix the economy and bring relief to Ghanaians,” he added.

On the construction of a landing site at Moree, which had been abandoned by the Mahama government after initial work by the NPP government in 2007, Nana Akufo-Addo assured the fisherfolk that “the preparatory works Gladys Asmah put in place to ensure the construction of the landing site, we are going to finish them and construct the landing site here in Moree and along the coastal belt.”

The NPP flagbearer urged the people of Moree to trust him to fulfil the pledge of constructing the landing site, stating that “I am not a liar and I don’t engage in politics of deception. Whatever I say, I do.”

He continued: “I am not into politics to steal the money of the poor people of Ghana. I came to make sure the little wisdom and knowledge the good Lord has given me, I put it to the beneficial use of Ghanaians so that I can help bring relief, progress, and prosperity to the people of Ghana.”

Nana Akufo-Addo appealed for the active support of Moree, in, firstly, the party’s attempt to annex the Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese seat, and secondly, in his quest to become the servant-leader the people of Ghana so ardently require.

“This is my third attempt, open the door for me and try me. Have faith in me and I will not disappoint you. I am coming to fix Ghana. Help support me, the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Elvis Morris Donkor, and we will bring programmes and policies to help you and every Ghanaian,” he added.