The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, has emphasized the government’s focus on positioning Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture.
The Vice President underscored the many benefits of fisheries and aquaculture, noting that the sector has great potential in terms of contribution to economic growth and sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Aquaculture Ghana 2025, the vice president emphasized the valuable nature of the aquaculture and fisheries industry. “There is an Akan saying, “Sika wɔ nsu m’,” which means there is money in the water.” She stated.
This year’s Aquaculture Ghana was organized by the Chamber of Aquaculture, under the theme “Transforming Ghana’s Aquaculture Sector: Innovation, Inclusion, and Job Creation for Food Security and Economic Growth.”
She emphasized that this year’s theme captures the vast and divergent ways in which the aquaculture and fisheries industry is valuable, ranging from job creation to provision of food and nutrition, as captured in the Akan statement that translates as “there is money in water.”
The Aquaculture Ghana 2025 had in attendance policymakers, government officials, investors, and key stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture industry.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, who is very passionate about the fisheries and aquaculture industry and its potential for the government’s blue economy initiative, was also in attendance.
The Vice President noted the growing importance of the fisheries and aquaculture industry, often referred to as the blue economy, in the framework of Ghana’s development.
She noted that “fish makes up about 60% of our protein consumption and provides livelihoods for millions,” emphasizing the sector’s broader impact on Ghana’s economy.
The vice president further noted the progress being made in the industry, emphasizing that such progress has to be complemented by regulating imports to safeguard such progress.
She also emphasized the need for ensuring safe practice in the sector through proper enforcement of the regulations that ought to guide practices in the sector.
“While Ghana’s aquaculture sector has made significant progress, we need to reduce our reliance on imports and ensure safe, sustainable practices through the effective implementation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act.”
H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana
The Vice President also emphasized the need for the integration of the aquaculture sector into the 24-Hour Economy Policy. Noting that the 24-hour economy secretariat “will work closely with stakeholders to ensure continuous, efficient operations under the Grow24 initiative.”
The Grow24 program, under the 24-hour economy program, is intended to modernize agriculture, mechanize value chains, increase productivity, and link agribusinesses to export and domestic markets.
She also acknowledged the efforts of the Fisheries Commission and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, commending these two institutions for their roles in strengthening the aquaculture ecosystem
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, recently announced cabinet’s approval of Ghana’s first-ever Marine Protection Area (MPA) to be located at Cape Three Points in the Western Region, covering 700 sq km
She noted the Marine Protection Area will serve as a vital breeding ground for aquatic life such as fishes, whales, dolphins, and turtles.
Such a millstone is one of the efforts of the ministry and the Fisheries Commission at strengthening the sector, as the vice president acknowledged.
The vice president further assured the government’s commitment to improving the sector, given its potential for job creation and its broader contribution to economic growth and development.
“The government remains focused on positioning Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture, creating jobs for youth and women, and attracting responsible investment into the sector.”
H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana
The Vice President therefore went ahead to officially open Aquaculture Ghana 2025, wishing all participants fruitful deliberations and innovative recommendations to guide the industry’s next phase of growth.
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