Ghana seeks to close fish deficit through aquaculture
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Starr FM
Ghana wants to develop aquaculture to close an annual fish deficit of 500,000 tonnes, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced. The 2027 budget notably provides support for producers, financing, health infrastructure and a strengthened cold chain, according to Starr FM.
Ghana plans to devote part of its $3 billion commercial agriculture programme to aquaculture to reduce an annual fish deficit estimated at around 500,000 tonnes. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced the measure on Thursday 12 November during the presentation to Parliament of the 2027 budget and the government’s economic policy.
Commercial operators and small-scale aquaculture producers will notably receive broodstock, fingerlings, fish feed, cages, ponds and reservoirs. The government also plans aquatic health laboratories, disease monitoring and water quality control systems, as well as better access to long-term financing and insurance, according to Cassiel Ato Forson.
The scheme will also link producers to cold-chain infrastructure, processing, controls, transport and markets. The government also plans to build fishing villages and modern landing sites, while strengthening the fight against illegal fishing and the licensing regime to preserve marine and inland resources.
