The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently organized a safe fishing symposium in collaboration with various stakeholders in the fisheries sector in Ghana. The aim of the symposium was to promote high-quality fish for Ghanaians and ensure fish safety for consumers.
The symposium, which was supported by the Fisheries Commission, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Environmental Health and Sanitation Department of the Local Government, fish processors and traders’ associations, and other post-harvest stakeholders, focused on promoting best practices in fish handling and processing.
Through the USAID-supported Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity, over 3,500 fisherfolks, mostly women, in coastal communities have been trained on hygienic fish handling, processing, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a framework for Safe Fish Certification and Licensing.
USAID/Ghana Acting Deputy Mission Director, Andrew Read, emphasized the importance of promoting best practices in fish handling and processing to drive positive change throughout the fisheries value chain. This, he believes, will lead to safer and higher-quality fish products for consumers.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of the fish produced and consumed in Ghana. She called for collaborative efforts to guarantee that fish remains a symbol of nourishment and a commitment to fish safety and sustainability.
The symposium featured discussions on technical advancements in fisheries value chain management, regulatory frameworks, and fish food safety concerns. Hands-on demonstrations and cooking exhibitions were also conducted to illustrate appropriate handling and processing methods to maintain fish quality from catch to plate.
USAID’s commitment to Ghana’s fisheries sector includes a $24 million investment in restoring coastal fisheries and improving ocean conservation along the coast. This initiative is part of USAID’s broader support for health, economic growth, agriculture, education, governance, and other sectors in Ghana, totaling over $140 million in bilateral assistance in 2023.
Overall, the safe fishing symposium highlighted the importance of promoting best practices in fish handling and processing to ensure the safety and quality of fish products for consumers in Ghana. Through collaborative efforts and continued support from USAID and other stakeholders, the fisheries sector in Ghana is poised for positive transformation and sustainable growth.
