The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MFAD) has pledged to continue the implementation of the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs (AFJ) Initiative in 2022 which is expected to result in the production of 116.64 metric tons (mt) of fish next year. The AFJ’s initiatives are also expected to provide 270 direct and 675 indirect jobs next year.
In its outlook for 2022, the MFAD disclosed that it will construct two new hatcheries at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region and Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region. These hatcheries are to be equipped for the production and supply of good quality fingerlings to fish farmers.
The ministry also indicated that it has upgraded the existing public hatcheries at Kona Odumase in the Ashanti Region and Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region. The MFAD expects these interventions to boost the production of quality fingerlings, estimated at 1.2 million in 2022.
Providing an update on the AFJ initiative so far this year, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development highlighted that it has constructed 24 aquaculture facilities at Ve-Golokwati, Akpafu, Mempeasem, and Osei Tutu Senior High School. This, the MFAD said, brought the total aquaculture holding facilities under the Initiative to 180.
The Ministry also pointed out that it has procured 17,440 bags of assorted fish feed to be distributed to fish farmers across the country to stimulate private sector investment in the aquaculture industry.
“With these interventions, aquaculture production for the year is expected to increase by 30 percent from 64,000 metric tonnes in 2020 to 83,150 metric tonnes by the end of 2021 and by an additional 10.8 percent to 92,135mt in 2022”.
MFAD
Automation of premix fuel in 2022
Access to fishing inputs at affordable prices is key to enhancing the operations of fishers in the country. In line with this, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development disclosed that it has continued to partner with other agencies and the private sector under the Fisheries input Support Scheme to provide 6,000 outboard motors and 6,000 pieces of authorized fishing gears.
“In addition, the Ministry facilitated the regular supply of 69,457,500 litres of premix fuel to all the 308 landing beaches across the country. The incidence of diversion of premix fuel has reduced steadily over the years and to consolidate that, the Ministry will automate the distribution of premix fuel in 2022”.
MFAD
Fisheries Resource Management Programme
Research over the years has proven that marine fish resources are declining and sardinellas, anchovies and demersal species are over-exploited. To reverse this trend and restore the stocks to sustainable levels, a one-month closed season was observed for the artisanal and inshore fleets in July, 2021. In July and August 2021, a two-month season for industrial vessels was also observed.
“Implementation is expected to continue in subsequent years with a view to achieving the desired long-term objective of stock recovery and rebuilding”.
MFAD
To mitigate the immediate impact of fishers while observing the closed season, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the MFAD stated that it has distributed 15,000 bags of rice and 6,250 cartons of cooking oil as livelihood relief items to marine artisanal and in-shore fishers.
Fisheries Law Enforcement
As part of efforts at preparing a new Fisheries Act to replace the existing Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), the Ministry reviewed the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy developed in 2008 to incorporate emerging trends in fisheries and aquaculture management.
The reviewed Policy is expected to, among others, address issues of climate change, small-scale fisheries, gender and youth, gear technology, optimize fisheries infrastructural development and promote post-harvest fish management and trade.
Ghana’s current fish production stands in the neighborhood of 400, 000 metric tonnes a year from its marine fisheries, inland waters and aquaculture. As many as 2.6 million Ghanaians, representing 10 percent of the population, are dependent on the fisheries sector for their livelihoods, according to statistics from FAO.
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