Sunyani: Madam Diana Obuobi Sakyibea, the Bono Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, has urged Ghanaians to engage in aquaculture production to reduce the nation's dependence on imports. She stated that aquaculture is not only an economically viable but also a sustainable means of increasing the nation's fish productivity.
According to Ghana News Agency, in an interview conducted in Sunyani, Mad Sakyibea emphasized that fish remains the cheapest and most accessible source of protein for Ghanaians. She highlighted the importance of expanding fish farming to bridge the gap between domestic demand and supply. Mad Sakyibea advised households and communities to embrace aquaculture and produce fish using ponds, tarpaulin, tank systems, and other holding facilities to boost local production.
She pointed out that the country's long-term objective is to significantly reduce or completely eliminate the importation of fish, as Ghana is currently among the countries with high fish consumption rates. The high consumption of fish makes it necessary for the nation to increase local production to meet demand. Mad Sakyibea warned of potential challenges if local production does not increase, stating that overconsumption without adequate production could lead to serious issues.
Mad Sakyibea also noted that fish stocks in the marine sector are declining, making aquaculture a viable solution for sustaining the nation's annual fish supplies. She assured that the commission would continue encouraging fish farmers to increase production to address potential future shortages. She warned about the continued depletion of marine resources, which could lead to situations where fishermen return with little or no catch, impacting the nation's food security and socio-economic livelihoods.
Mad Sakyibea called for sustained support and motivation for fish farmers, asserting that aquaculture remains the most reliable alternative for ensuring a sustainable supply of fish in Ghana.