The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, has completed a six-day working tour across major inland fisheries and aquaculture sites in Ghana aimed at assessing the sector’s development needs and advancing the government’s blue economy agenda.
The nationwide tour ended in the Ashanti Region and focused on evaluating fish farming infrastructure, research capacity, environmental sustainability and private sector participation in aquaculture development.
Focus on research and sustainable fish farming
One of the key stops on the tour was the Kona Odumase Pilot Aquaculture Center, where the Minister stressed the importance of research-driven fish farming in improving productivity within the sector.
Discussions at the facility centered on transforming the center into a leading hub for aquaculture research, training and technical support to help local fish farmers scale up from small-scale operations to commercial production.
The Minister also visited the Nkawie Agric/Fisheries Site to assess ongoing state-supported aquaculture projects and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and local managers to ensure long-term sustainability.
Encouraging innovation and private investment
At CART4D Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur met with industry players to discuss the role of innovation and technology in boosting fish production across the country.
She commended the private sector for adopting modern fish farming methods and emphasized that increased private investment would be critical to job creation and meeting Ghana’s growing demand for affordable protein sources.
Restoration efforts at Lake Bosomtwe
The final phase of the tour focused on Lake Bosomtwe, the country’s only natural lake and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2016.
During the visit, attention was placed on plans to restore an abandoned hatchery near the lake as part of efforts to conserve aquatic biodiversity and support sustainable fishing activities.
The Ministry also outlined plans to breed and restock indigenous fish species into the lake to help preserve its ecosystem and reduce pressure from overfishing.
Hon. Emelia Arthur further engaged local fishing communities on balancing environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods for residents who depend on the lake for economic activity.
Government’s vision for the sector
The tour highlighted the government’s broader strategy for transforming Ghana’s inland fisheries and aquaculture sector through increased local fish production, youth employment, environmental conservation and stronger public-private partnerships.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour, the Minister said Ghana’s inland fisheries hold enormous economic potential if properly developed and managed.
“Our inland fisheries are a treasure trove of potential. By fixing our hatcheries and supporting our private farmers, we are not just growing fish; we are growing the economy and securing our food future,” she stated.
Source: businesspostonline
