The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Fisheries Ministry, has announced the Safe Fish Certification and Licensing Scheme.

It was under the theme, “Safe Fish, Better Health.” 

Under the program, fish processors will adopt a code of conduct to meet health and hygiene standards that reduce contaminants.

Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) certifies the adoption of these standards for the domestic market while the Ghana Standards Authority certifies the standards for export.

This certification fosters access to higher, value-added markets in Ghana and facilitates fish exports from Ghana to markets overseas.

USAID Economic Growth Office Director Paul Pleva and Deputy Fisheries Minister Moses Anim were present at the event.

“We all know that fish is an important food in Ghana,” said USAID’s Paul Pleva.

“It is also a particularly important food for pregnant women and children because it is an inexpensive and readily available source of high-quality protein.

He added that "USAID is committed to working with all of you to ensure food security and a healthy, nutritious diet for Ghanaians.” 

USAID has supported the Government of Ghana in the fisheries sector since 2009.

Designed to raise awareness and promote the production and consumption of safe and hygienic fish on the domestic and African regional markets, the launch was attended by fishers, consumer groups, and government representatives from the four coastal regions.

It included cooking shows with certified processed fish and an exhibition of certified fish products available for sale in local and international markets.