The government has allocated ¢100 million in the 2026 budget to boost aquaculture development in Ghana, with the aim of enhancing food security, employment, and youth development. The Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Prof. Benjamin Campion, disclosed this during a visit to the Upper East Region.
The initiative targets institutions such as secondary schools and the Ghana Prison Service, as well as community leaders, to establish small-scale aquaculture projects. Prof. Campion explained that the programme is expected to create jobs while promoting practical, skills-based learning.
According to him, the ¢100 million allocation will support projects in regions including the Upper East, with plans to establish hatchery facilities and fish farms. He noted that the initiative will leverage existing technology to promote small-scale aquaculture in compounds with reliable water sources.
“Most of the money will go to institutions like secondary schools and the Ghana Prison Service, among others. We are also targeting community leaders. If we identify a wealthy individual or a respected figure in Bolgatanga and establish a fish farm in their compound, they can employ some local youth to work there and supervise the operations. When the feed runs out, they will be able to purchase more,” he said.
As part of his visit to the Upper East Region, Prof. Campion paid a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri, and toured several fishing and aquaculture facilities. These included the Fisheries Commission’s hatchery at Vea, the Irrigation Company of Upper Regions (ICOUR) facility at Tono, and other private fish farms across the region. He was accompanied by the Upper East Regional Director of the Fisheries Department, Sarah Bachon-Ene Mwinibuobu Bamie.
Welcoming the initiative, Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri called for increased investment in the region’s fish farming sector, noting that it would help create jobs and curb the growing rate of youth unemployment.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
