The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, has engaged key stakeholders in the fisheries sector at a workshop on aquaculture externalities held at Alisa Hotel, Ridge, Accra.
The workshop, organized by the Environment for Development (EfD) Ghana, brought together researchers, policymakers, and industry players to discuss the current state of aquaculture in Ghana, its associated externalities, both positive and negative, and strategies for sustainable development in the sector.
EfD Ghana, established in 2019 and part of a global network operating in 13 countries with over 22 researchers, aims to provide evidence-based solutions to the world’s pressing environmental and development challenges. The organization is currently implementing the Blue Resources for Development Programme, which focuses on sustainable marine and aquaculture practices.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Director of EfD Ghana, Professor Wisdom Akpalu, commended the Minister for her strong commitment to aquaculture development. He emphasized the importance of the workshop in brainstorming critical issues affecting the sector and pledged EfD’s commitment to conducting in-depth research to support policy reforms and practical interventions.
In her address, Hon. Emelia Arthur expressed appreciation to EfD Ghana for organizing the workshop and reiterated government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s marine resources. She noted ongoing efforts to declare some areas as marine protected zones as part of interventions to curb fish stock depletion.
“There is an urgent need to grow more fish to meet the country’s protein needs and to create sustainable jobs for the youth and unemployed,” the Minister stated. She highlighted aquaculture’s potential in providing employment and ensuring food security but also raised concerns about fish health, genetics, and crossbreeding practices.
She challenged the EfD to intensify research in these areas to provide lasting solutions and called for stronger public-private partnerships, improved coordination, and collaboration to drive growth and innovation in the sector.
The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights, deliberate on sustainable aquaculture practices, and forge pathways toward a thriving fisheries industry in Ghana.
