The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Elizabeth Afoley Quaye is optimistic that the sector will grow by an appreciable rate before the end of the year.

According to her, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) has implemented policies to sustain the growth chalked by her outfit.

The agricultural sector recorded about 2.5 per cent growth in the second quarter of this year, with the fisheries sub-sector contributing 0.3 per cent to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking to Joy Business on the sidelines of the launch of the farmers’ day celebration she said, “we have already recorded some level of growth, some slight growth in production so clearly by the end of the year we’ll see some appreciable growth.

"And as we continue to implement our policies, as we continue to focus strongly on management practices that will near the benefit of the sector. We believe that we’ll be able to achieve some appreciation value.”

Mrs. Quaye indicated that the policy for collaborative management seeks to eliminate challenges faced in the fishing industry hence this year’s Farmer’s Day Celebration theme, “Agribusiness Development under COVID-19 opportunities and challenges”.

Speaking at the launch, she emphasized that Ghana’s agriculture is gradually shifting from primary production to adding value to the produce.

“The theme highlights the new orientation for all actors along the agricultural value chain. Ghana’s agriculture is now transforming from subsistence and primary production to one of value addition and agribusiness to declare the 36^th edition of National Farmers’ Day slated for the 6^th of November, 2020 at Techiman in the Bono East Region duly launched,” she said.

Madam Afoley Quaye also bemoaned the challenges that have bedeviled the fisheries industry, indicating that measures have been put in place to deal with the issues.

“The fall in the production of fish in Ghana is largely due to a myriad of issues. The major issues are illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities practiced by fishermen both the industrial and artisanal fishermen but gradually we’re taking practical steps to try and engage more with them. Enforcement of the law has taken place several times, people have been prosecuted,” she lamented.