The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana is urging the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Fisheries Commission to provide more substantial support for female-led initiatives in the country.

According to the Chief Executive of the Chamber Jacob Adzikah, support and budgetary allocation to the sector is very low, affecting the ability of players to increase production.

The Chamber of Aquaculture marked International Women’s Day with a significant industry event, bringing together stakeholders to celebrate and empower women in aquaculture. The event which was under the theme “Connecting the Changemakers: Fostering Collaboration Among Women in Aquaculture,” underscored the contributions of women to Ghana’s aquaculture sector and the need for greater support and inclusivity.

Delivering his address, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Aquaculture Jacob Doe Adzikah, emphasized the organization’s commitment to gender inclusivity, calling for increased resource allocation and infrastructure development in the sector. 

“There is a lot of resources allocated to the marine and inland sector and the aquaculture sector receives only few resources. The Aquaculture sector keeps showing promising signs each year but it appears the sector that is doing very well is receiving less resources and we think it is time to increase budgetary allocation to the Aquaculture sector”, he said.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Director of Aquaculture at the Fisheries Commission Dr. Lawrence Ahiah, acknowledged that women in the aquaculture industry are full of potential and with a collective effort women can create an ecosystem that fosters empowerment and success in the aquaculture space.

He recommended that the establishment of a national network for women in aquaculture, the development of mentorship programs for young women, the creation of a database of women-owned aquaculture businesses, and the implementation of targeted training and capacity-building programs for young women in the aquaculture industry will drive a positive change and create a brighter future for women in aquaculture.

Founder of Crystal Lake and event Chairperson, Madam Patricia Safo, Founder, highlighted the need for improved access to funding, leadership training, and capacity-building initiatives. The CEO of Aquatic Foods Limited, Madam Mabel Quarshie, , stressed the importance of research and technology in driving productivity and sustainability in the aquaculture industry.

On her part, Deputy Director at the Water Research Institute Dr. Ruby Asmah, emphasized that the industry should focus on gender equity rather than just equality, ensuring that all individuals, including persons with disabilities, have the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.

The event drew participants from various sectors, including academia, feed producers, regulators, farmers, and financial institutions, creating a dynamic space for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The Women in Aquaculture event reaffirmed the Chamber of Aquaculture’s commitment to championing female leadership and inclusivity.