The Ministry of Fisheries is to establish contact with some companies in Brazil acclaimed to produce high quality fish feed. Currently a Chinese company is in the process of establishing a fish feed factory in the Western Region.
The Minister of Fisheries, Gladys Asmah, announced this at the inauguration of Central Regional Fish Farmers Association (CEREFFA) in Cape Coast. Mrs. Asmah said the Ministry has lent support to an FAO project in the volta basin to develop fast growing specie, the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT). This is to make fish farming commercially and economically attractive.
It is also beefing up the staff strength of the Fisheries Directorate with expertise and skills to help fish farmers with extension services. Mrs. Asmah noted that the aquaculture industry has the potential to be a leader in fish production and for export.
The Deputy Central Regional Minister, Samuel Obodai, said the Fisheries sector currently employs about 6% of the total population of the region and produces 64 thousand 395 metric tons of fish which is about 25% of the national catch. He pledged the Regional Coordinating Councils readiness to support the association to enhance fish production.
The chairman of the Association, Nana Ambrose Owusu, suggested periodic training for the fish farmers to update their knowledge.
The former Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Kobina Yankson who presided over the function appealed to chiefs and landowners to make land available to fish farmers by removing the various encumbrances and make them affordable. A nine member committee under the chairmanship of Nana Ambrose Owusu was inaugurated to steer the affairs of the Association.
