Stakeholders in the aquaculture industry have been urged to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the Aquaculture Awards 2024, Executive Director of Tarzan Enterprises, Ziad Hamoui emphasised that, Ghana is not the only country facing value chain disruptions.

He advised industry players to turn the challenges into opportunities to enable them to tap into prospects beyond Ghana.

“Ghana is not the only country that has to deal with challenges such as value chain disruptions, inflation, or price increases. It cuts across the continent. The AfCFTA is not a magic wand. It is actually a catalyst that allows rapid African development but stakeholders need to keep in mind that not only should they focus on creating one large market but focus on manufacturing,” the guest speaker advised. 

The Aquaculture Event 2024 organised by the Chamber of Aquaculture and its partners, was crowned with an awards ceremony. Chair of the Aquaculture Awards Committee, Dr. Winnie Sowah indicated that the Awards ceremony seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of stakeholders in building a sustainable and inclusive industry.

“As we celebrate the achievements and impact in the sector, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Climate change, environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities continue to present formidable obstacles to the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture systems worldwide. Nevertheless, in the face of these challenges, we find opportunities to innovate, collaborate and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future,” she said.

The overall award, Aquaculture Cage Farm of the Year, was won by Tropo Farms. Tropo Farms also swept the Aquaculture Marketer of the year and Corporate Social Responsibility Awards.

Special Honor Awards was won by Former Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Moses Anim, Female Aquapreneur of The Year was won by Mary Dzidzornu Sekafa, Rising Star of the Aquaculture Industry was won by Gabriel Lartey of Lartman Farms, Aquaculture Journalist of The Year was won by Caleb Ahinakwah of Asaase Radio, Aquaculture Researcher of the Year was won by Dr. Emmanuel Tetteh –Doku, Aquaculture Input Supplier of the Year was won by Akriset, Collaboration Awards was won by Flosell Farm and World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), and Emerging Fish Feed Company of the Year was won by Koudijs Ghana Limited.

Ranaan Fish Feed West Africa won two awards; Outstanding Contributor to the Aquaculture Industry in Ghana and Outstanding Fish Feed Company of the Year.

Agrimercarb also swept three awards for the night; Aquaculture Sustainability Award, Start Up Award and Aquaculture Innovation and Technology Award.