Implementation of the GNADP is expected to span five years, at a cost of US$85 million. The program is receiving financial and technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. It says aquaculture is a fast growing alternative source of animal protein for the country as its marine and freshwater fishery production declines. Fish production in Ghana was 486,000 metric tonnes last year, compared to an estimated demand of 968,000 metric tonnes, or a shortfall of very nearly 50%.
The government forecasts aquaculture production is projected to climb by 360% from the current 27,750 metric tonnes to 130,000 metric tonnes, while creating some 220,000 jobs across the value chain.
Last year a new strain of Nile tilapia, the Akosombo, was developed by Ghana’s Water Research Institute (WTI), in partnership with WorldFish. The fish is reported to grow three times as fast is its non-enhanced cousins and is aimed at improving aquaculture productivity and food security throughout West Africa.
– Quentin Dodd
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