USAID and partners promote safe fishing practices in Ghana
The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), recently organized a symposium to promote the production of high-quality fish for Ghanaians. The event, held in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Environmental Health and Sanitation Department of the Local Government, and various fish processors and traders’ associations, focused on enhancing safety standards in the fisheries sector.
Since 2021, USAID’s Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity has been working with these organizations to establish a framework for Safe Fish Certification and Licensing. Over 3,500 fisherfolk, predominantly women from coastal communities, have received training on hygienic fish handling, processing, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship as part of this initiative. Andrew Read, USAID/Ghana Acting Deputy Mission Director, emphasized that the Safe Fish Scheme is designed to promote best practices across the entire fisheries value chain, ensuring safer and higher-quality fish products for consumers.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, in her opening address, urged stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that the fish produced and consumed in Ghana is not only nutritious but also symbolizes a commitment to fish safety and sustainability.
The symposium featured in-depth discussions on technical advancements in fisheries value chain management, improvements in regulatory frameworks, and concerns surrounding fish food safety. Attendees also participated in hands-on demonstrations and cooking exhibitions that showcased proper handling and processing methods to maintain fish quality from catch to plate. The United States remains Ghana’s largest bilateral development partner, with USAID providing over $140 million in assistance in 2023 to support health, economic growth, agriculture, education, and governance. As part of its ongoing efforts, USAID has committed $24 million (over 355 million Ghana Cedis) to multi-year investments aimed at restoring Ghana’s coastal fisheries and improving ocean conservation along the coast.
