The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana is calling on President John Mahama to nominate a transformative and dynamic leader to the Ministry. The Aquaculture Chamber while expressing its gratitude to the President Mahama, for maintaining the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture said the sector needs a leader that would focus on addressing the many challenges facing the sector.

In an interview with JoyBusiness, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Mr. Jacob Adzikah, underscored the critical role the aquaculture industry plays in Ghana's economic development.

He stated, “The aquaculture industry in Ghana possesses substantial potential to enhance economic development, ensure food security, and generate employment opportunities, particularly for rural populations and the youth.”

“Nevertheless, the sector is confronted with significant challenges, such as limited access to financing, insufficient infrastructure, inadequate collaboration among stakeholders, low levels of technology adoption, and inconsistent policy enforcement. These Challenges are impeding the growth of Ghana’s aquaculture industry and tackling these issues necessitates committed and transformative leadership”, he mentioned.

Mr. Adzikah also emphasized the need for a leader with the expertise to enforce policies, attract resources and investment, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

“The aquaculture industry needs a transformative and vibrant leader who can lead the way in policy enforcement. We need a leader who can attract the needed resources and investment into the aquaculture space, a leader who can collaborate with all stakeholders of the aquaculture industry to push it to the next level, create sustainable job opportunities for youth and women, and ultimately position Ghana as an aquaculture hub in West Africa,” he added.

The Chamber also entreated President Mahama to appoint a strategic leader with a background in aquaculture or agribusiness and experience in policy formulation and enforcement. Such a leader, the Chamber argues, is essential for tackling the pressing issues in the sector and unlocking its full potential.

Globally, the aquaculture sector is recognized as a viable alternative to the declining fisheries industry, as marine fish stocks have dwindled due to overexploitation. In Ghana, aquaculture is uniquely positioned to fill this gap, ensuring food security and economic stability.

The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana reiterated their committed to collaborating with the government and the newly appointed Minister to create an enabling environment for aquaculture businesses and contribute to the sector's sustainable growth.