Akufo-Addo launches Aquaculture for Food and Jobs programme in Gomoa Central District

In a landmark event at R&B Farms in Gomoa Nsuem, Gomoa Central District, President Akufo-Addo launched the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs programme, aimed at creating employment opportunities for the youth and ensuring food security.

The initiative seeks to empower young people to become self-employed and leverage Ghana's abundant water resources for sustainable livelihoods and improved nutrition. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the significance of this launch, describing it as a pivotal moment in the nation's agricultural sector.

"Aquaculture currently supplies nearly half of the world's fish, a figure that continues to rise as global fish stocks dwindle due to overfishing and environmental changes," said the President. He noted that while fish is a crucial part of the Ghanaian diet, domestic production falls short of demand, leading to substantial imports that strain the country's foreign exchange reserves.

The Aquaculture for Food and Jobs programme aims not only to increase fish production but also to transform lives by creating thousands of jobs, particularly for the youth and women. The initiative will offer training and support to aspiring fish farmers, equipping them with the necessary skills and resources. It will also establish a network of fish farmers across the country, boosting Ghana's capacity to meet the growing demand for fish and stimulating the development of related industries such as fish feed production, processing, and marketing.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the programme would help combat malnutrition and improve public health by making fish more accessible and affordable. "Fish is a rich source of essential nutrients, and increasing its availability will significantly enhance the nation's nutritional standards," he stated. He further announced that the government aims to train 10,000 youth in small-scale fish farming, with a projected ripple effect of generating an additional 50,000 jobs across the value chain, including fish feed production, equipment supply, fish processing, marketing, and distribution.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson, highlighted that the programme would provide youth with training and skills development in fish farming. Participants will receive essential equipment, including tarpaulin cages, fingerlings, and fish feed, as seed capital to start profitable fish farming ventures.

"The launch of the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs programme marks a significant step towards a brighter future for Ghanaian youth and women," said Mrs. Koomson. She called for widespread support for the initiative, which aims to meet fish consumption needs, reduce import dependency, and provide meaningful employment.

R&B Farms CEO, Mr. Richard Quansah, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with the government, noting that the farm's success in creating jobs for local youth was a key factor in the collaboration. He encouraged young people to seize the opportunity offered by the programme, highlighting R&B Farms as the largest fish farm in the country. "We have already trained 30 unemployed youth who will now train over 10,000 in fish farming in the near future. We anticipate training over 10 million youth in the next 20 years," he stated.