To mark World Environment Day and the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 2025, the Chamber of Aquaculture has taken a major step toward inclusive and sustainable aquaculture development.

The Chamber in collaboration with the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and with support from the Danish Embassy, organized a training workshop for women fish farmers from the Oti, Volta, and Afram Plains regions.

The training focused on strengthening the capacity of women smallholder farmers in aquaculture biosecurity, disease identification, climate change adaptation, and cold chain management.

The initiative formed part of the UK-funded Animal Health System Strengthening (AHSS) programme under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme.

Welcoming participants on behalf of the Chamber, Director of Human Resource and Research, Dr. Issaka Lawerh Tetteh, described the training as a crucial investment in the sustainability and resilience of Ghana’s aquaculture sector.

“This training is a testament to our collective commitment to fostering sustainable growth and resilience within Ghana’s aquaculture sector. By equipping you with vital skills and knowledge, we’re not only strengthening your individual capacities but the entire aquaculture value chain,” he said.

The training is expected to improve biosecurity and reduce disease outbreaks in small fish farms, increase awareness and early response to fish health issues, enhance the resilience of women-led aquaculture enterprises to climate change, and strengthen collaboration between women farmers and technical institutions.

The technical sessions were led by resource persons from the Fisheries Commission, AquaMet Technologies, and the University of Ghana. Veterinarian at the Fisheries Commission, Dr. Kwaku Appiah Duodu, facilitated interactive lessons on identifying early signs of fish diseases such as white spots and abnormal wounds as well as implementing practical farm-level biosecurity measures.

A technology showcase by Co-founder of AquaMet Technologies, Mr. Frank Owusu, introduced participants to a smart monitoring device designed to track water quality and pH levels in real time, helping farmers maintain healthier aquatic environments and improve productivity.

At the training, key concerns raised included poor access to quality hatcheries and fingerlings and inability to detect diseases.

AHSS Project Officer, Mr. Victus Sabutey reiterated the need to establish hatchery and feed production facilities in every district and a communication channel through which the women can reach out to fish vets, adding that such infrastructure and access could significantly enhance local aquaculture output and improve food security.

This initiative marks a significant advancement in Ghana’s efforts to implement effective biosecurity and disease identification measures in fish farming.

As a result of the training, the women have established a dedicated real-time communication channel to facilitate continuous engagement with local fishery officers and veterinarians, ensuring ongoing support and knowledge exchange.

The Chamber of Aquaculture also reaffirmed its commitment to replicating this initiative across other regions in Ghana. The training marks a significant milestone in empowering women in aquaculture, fostering climate resilience, and advancing Ghana’s blue economy through innovation, collaboration, and capacity building.