Akufo-Addo launches Aquaculture for Food and Jobs programme

At a groundbreaking event on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 in Nsuaem in the Central Region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo unveiled the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs programme.

This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to sustainable development, food security and job creation. It marks a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural sector, with the aim of harnessing Ghana’s abundant water resources to provide sustainable livelihoods and improve nutrition standards.

President Akufo-Addo highlighted the enormous potential of aquaculture, saying the sector is a crucial part of the global food system.

Aquaculture currently provides nearly half of the world’s fish stocks, a figure that continues to grow as wild fish stocks decline due to overfishing and environmental change. In Ghana, fish is a staple food and contributes significantly to the country’s nutritional intake.

However, domestic supply is less than demand, resulting in significant imports that put pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

In 2022, Ghana’s fish demand was 1.31 million tonnes, while domestic production was only 657,000 tonnes.

This shortage required the import of 650,000 tons of fish, at a cost of $311 million. The Aquaculture for Food and Jobs Programme aims to close this gap by boosting local fish production, thereby reducing dependence on imports, saving foreign exchange and ensuring the availability of fresh, domestically produced fish.

The impact of the program goes beyond increasing fish production. It is poised to change lives by creating thousands of jobs, especially for youth and women.

The initiative will provide training and support to aspiring fish farmers, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to succeed. It will also promote a network of fish farms across the country, increasing Ghana’s capacity to meet the growing demand for fish and encouraging the development of related industries such as fish feed production, processing and marketing.

By making fish more accessible and affordable, the programme will combat malnutrition and improve public health. Fish is a rich source of essential nutrients and increasing its availability will contribute significantly to the country’s nutritional standards.

This initiative is not only an economic stimulus, but also an essential part in the fight against malnutrition.

The programme is being launched in partnership with R&B Farms Ltd., the largest inland fish farm in Ghana, operating on 26 hectares in Gomoa Central.

With this project, the government aims to train 10,000 youth in small-scale fish farming. The ripple effect of this initiative is expected to generate 50,000 additional jobs in the aquaculture value chain, including fish feed production, equipment supply, fish processing, marketing and distribution.

President Akufo-Addo called on private investors to seize the opportunities offered by this programme, highlighting the significant market for fish and fish products.

With the right investments, the aquaculture sector can be transformed into a major economic driver. Research institutions and universities play a crucial role in providing the knowledge and technological innovations needed to improve productivity and sustainability.

President Akufo-Addo recognised the efforts of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ms Mavis Hawa Koomson, and commended her dedication and practical approach.

Her leadership has been instrumental in the development of this project and the implementation of key initiatives, such as the annual closure of the fishing season, which has helped restore fish stocks and promote aquaculture as a viable economic sector.

Under this program, the government will provide youth with training and skills development in fish farming. They will receive sail cages, fingerlings and fish feed as seed capital, enabling them to start profitable fish farming within six months.

The launch of the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs Programme marks a bold step towards a better future for Ghanaian youth and women. The aim is to meet fish consumption needs, reduce import dependency and provide meaningful employment.

President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to all partners, stakeholders and dedicated teams who worked towards the realization of this project, stressing the importance of collaboration in revolutionizing aquaculture in Ghana.

When the programme was officially launched, President Akufo-Addo called on all Ghanaians to support this initiative, which promises to create a stronger, healthier and more prosperous country.

“May God bless us all and our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong,” he concluded, marking the beginning of a new era in Ghana’s agricultural sector.

DISCLAIMER: The views, comments, opinions, contributions and statements made by readers and contributors on this platform do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Multimedia Group Limited.