By Sarah Baafi
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Emelia Arthur, recently visited the Youth Summit Association, an aquaculture farm located in Sowodadwezem, Jomoro, Western Region. This visit marked a significant step in the government’s efforts to engage with stakeholders and understand the challenges facing the aquaculture sector. The Youth Summit Association is one of several initiatives in the region that are contributing to the growth of aquaculture, a sector seen as crucial for economic development and food security.
During her visit, Hon. Emelia Arthur was briefed on the key challenges affecting the association’s operations. These challenges include a lack of fish feed, limited access to fingerlings, and a pressing need for training in post-harvest handling and packaging. These issues are not unique to the Youth Summit Association but are common across many aquaculture farms in Ghana. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing productivity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of aquaculture in the country.
She assured the association of the government’s commitment to supporting aquaculture development. She emphasized that addressing the challenges faced by aquaculture farms is a priority for her ministry. The government plans to implement measures that will improve access to essential inputs like fish feed and fingerlings. Additionally, there will be initiatives to provide training in post-harvest handling and packaging, which are critical for improving the quality of aquaculture products and increasing their marketability.
The visit by Emelia Arthur to the Youth Summit Association underscores the government’s broader vision for the aquaculture sector. By supporting initiatives like these, the government aims to create jobs, enhance food security, and contribute to the overall economic development of Ghana. The engagement with the Youth Summit Association is part of a larger strategy to engage with stakeholders across the aquaculture value chain, ensuring that the sector’s growth is inclusive and sustainable. With the government’s support, aquaculture is poised to play an increasingly important role in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
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