Ghana establishes pioneering Blue Food Hub to boost fisheries and aquaculture

Ghana has announced the establishment of Africa’s first Blue Food Innovation Hub, a new initiative aimed at driving innovation in fisheries and aquaculture while attracting at least US$10 million in private sector investment by 2032.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, made the announcement on Monday at the High-Level African Blue Food Leadership Roundtable during the 2026 Our Ocean Conference.

She noted that the Hub, established in Ghana in partnership with the World Economic Forum and the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, will support inland aquaculture enterprises and promote innovation across the aquatic food value chain.

According to the minister, the initiative will provide support through a startup accelerator programme, research partnerships and improved access to finance and technology.

“It is also expected to create opportunities for women, young people and small-scale operators while strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Ghana’s aquatic food systems,” she added.

Mrs Arthur called for stronger political commitment and investment in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture across Africa, describing blue food as an important tool for addressing food insecurity, climate change and livelihood challenges.

She said fisheries and aquaculture remain central to Ghana’s socio-economic development and Africa’s broader food security agenda.

“Blue foods are Africa’s untapped catalyst for resilience. By investing in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, we can secure nutrition, empower communities, and safeguard our oceans for generations to come,” she said.

The minister noted reforms being undertaken by Ghana to improve fisheries governance, enhance transparency, expand aquaculture production and intensify efforts against Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

She welcomed a proposal to establish an African Network of Blue Food Champions and urged countries across the continent to work together to increase investment, strengthen governance and build resilient aquatic food systems.