Aquaculture in Ghana: The government of Ghana is working on a new law to regulate aquaculture and marine fishing. The new law called the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, will help ensure that fish farming and fishing are done responsibly and sustainably.
This is especially important because of climate change and environmental damage that is threatening the country’s aquatic resources.
Key Takeaway to Aquaculture in Ghana
- Aquaculture in Ghana: The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill aims to regulate aquaculture practices in Ghana to ensure sustainability, protect the environment, and support economic growth in the sector.
New Law to Modernise Fisheries Management
The Ghanaian government is drafting a new law to improve the management of fishing and aquaculture. Aquaculture is the practice of farming fish in controlled environments, like ponds or tanks.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is meant to modernise the fishing sector, making sure that all activities follow both local and international standards.
Once this Bill becomes law, it will promote responsible fish farming practices. It will also help fight the effects of climate change, which is damaging aquatic habitats. This is important because healthy fish populations are needed to support the country’s food supply and economy.
Protecting Aquatic Resources
At a workshop in Kumasi, Mr Eric Baah, the Director of Policy Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD), spoke about the need to improve regulations for aquaculture in Ghana.
He explained that stronger laws will help support proper fishing practices and encourage aquaculture development. By doing so, Ghana will be able to meet both its national and international responsibilities.
The workshop was a chance for local fishers and other people in the fishing industry to give their thoughts on the new law. Their input is important because they know the day-to-day challenges of working in the field. By working together, they can help create better policies to protect Ghana’s aquatic resources for future generations.
The Role of Aquaculture in Ghana’s Economy
Mr Baah also emphasised the importance of aquaculture and inland fishing to Ghana’s economy. These activities provide jobs and a vital source of food, especially protein, for millions of Ghanaians.
Many people, especially in rural areas, rely on fish farming for their livelihoods. However, problems such as climate change, overfishing, and the use of harmful chemicals are putting these benefits at risk.
Overfishing happens when too many fish are caught at once, leaving fewer fish to reproduce. This harms fish populations and the people who rely on them. Mr Baah said that the new law would help tackle these problems, creating a safer and more sustainable environment for fish to grow and reproduce.
Addressing Challenges in the Sector
One of the biggest challenges facing the fishing industry in Ghana is the use of harmful chemicals. Some fish farmers use chemicals to grow their fish faster, but this can destroy fish habitats and harm the environment.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill aims to stop these harmful practices. It will also deal with other issues, such as illegal fishing and unregulated fish farms.
Mr Baah said that about three million Ghanaians depend on fish and marine resources for their income. It is crucial to review the laws to protect these jobs and ensure the fishing industry can continue to grow. By strengthening regulations, the government hopes to create more opportunities for people working in aquaculture and related sectors.
Enhancing Food Security and Family Well-being
If the fishing sector is managed well, it can play a big role in improving food security in Ghana. Fish is an important part of the diet for many families, and it provides a rich source of protein.
Mr Baah stressed that proper development of the sector has the potential to improve not only the country’s food supply but also the well-being of families who rely on fish farming for their income.
By working together, stakeholders can help ensure that the sector continues to grow, providing benefits for both individuals and the country as a whole. He urged everyone involved in aquaculture to think about the future and find ways to make the industry more prosperous.
Environmental Protection and Waste Management
Madam Doris Yeboah, a member of the Legal Review Team at MOFAD, added that aquaculture operators must also take responsibility for protecting the environment. She explained that fish farmers need to have a proper waste disposal plan to ensure that their activities do not harm the environment.
The Ministry of Fisheries is working with other government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to protect wetlands and help fish populations recover.
These agencies are focused on preserving natural habitats and ensuring that fish farms operate responsibly. This cooperation is essential to maintaining a healthy environment for fish to grow.
Regulating Fishing Boats and Canoes
Madam Yeboah also mentioned that the Ministry is increasing efforts to regulate fishing boats and canoes. By making sure that boats are registered and licensed, the government can better control illegal and unregulated fishing.
Illegal fishing is a serious problem because it can lead to the over-exploitation of fish resources, which harms the environment and the people who depend on it.
Supporting Fish Farmers in Marketing and Feeding Costs
At the workshop, Mr Issifu Basideen, an aquaculture operator from Tamale, brought up the issue of marketing fish. In some areas, cultural beliefs make it difficult to sell fish locally.
He suggested that the government should include fish from local fish farmers in the School Feeding Programme. This would give farmers a steady market for their fish and help feed school children healthy meals.
Mr Basideen also called for the regulation of fish feed prices. High feed prices make it harder for fish farmers to run their businesses and make a profit. He urged the government to look into this issue and find ways to support farmers in reducing their costs.
Conclusion
The new Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is a critical step toward improving the regulation of aquaculture and fishing in Ghana. By promoting sustainable practices and strengthening the rules governing the sector, the government aims to protect jobs, support food security, and safeguard the environment.
Through collaboration with local fishers, industry players, and government agencies, Ghana can create a better future for its aquaculture industry and the millions of people who depend on it.
