The Fisheries Commission in the Ashanti Region has launched a major initiative to train Senior High School (SHS) students in aquaculture. This programme aims to develop future professionals in fish farming and significantly reduce Ghana's annual fish import bill of over GHS 2.4 billion. It forms a key part of the government's broader strategy to boost local food production and create employment for young people.
This initiative, dubbed “Youth in Aquaculture,” falls under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. It aligns with the government’s School Farm Initiative, which promotes using idle school lands for practical agriculture. The project intends to improve food production, enhance nutrition, and lower the cost of feeding students under the Free SHS programme. The first phase saw agriculture and science students from Toase Senior High School and Nkawie SHS Technical receive hands-on training at Kanta Fish Village in Nkawie Wioso.
Ghana faces a significant challenge in meeting its fish demand, consuming an estimated 25 kilogrammes of fish per person annually. Despite this high consumption, the country imports over 63,000 metric tonnes of fish each year. This import dependency costs the nation more than GHS 2.4 billion annually. The “Youth in Aquaculture” programme directly addresses this deficit by scaling up local production. This effort is crucial for Ghana’s food security and economic stability.
Abigail Quarshie, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, highlighted the programme's importance. She stated, “Fish remains the most vital source of animal protein in the Ghanaian diet. Ghana spends over US$200 million annually on fish imports to meet this demand.” Ms. Quarshie noted that this scheme will reduce the national import bill. It will also create direct employment opportunities for students entering the aquaculture sector after secondary education.
The training sessions included classroom instruction and practical demonstrations in ponds and processing areas. Students learned about fish biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, and responsible antimicrobial use. They also received training in value addition for fish processing, hygiene, and proper storage practices. This comprehensive approach aims to equip students with practical skills and entrepreneurial confidence. They can either join the existing aquaculture value chain or establish their own fish farming businesses.
The Fisheries Commission plans to expand this programme across all Senior High Schools in the Ashanti Region in phases. This expansion aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled fish farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs. Officials anticipate the initiative will substantially reduce Ghana’s reliance on foreign fish. This investment in aquaculture also promises long-term contributions to food security and job creation within the agricultural sector.