The Member of Parliament for Fanteakwa South in the Eastern Region, Duke William Allen Kwame Amoako-Atta Ofori-Atta, has called on the Government to prioritise investment in the inland fishing and aquaculture sector as a viable means of creating employment and enhancing food security, particularly for rural communities.
According to the MP, developing the inland fishing value chain, holds enormous economic potential especially in constituencies like the Fanteakwa South where traditional livelihoods such as food crop farming have been severely affected changing climate patterns and land degradation.
He noted that, the inland fishing sector, if well-structured and supported, can generate sustainable employment for hundreds of displaced farmers and young people in the area and across many parts of the country.
Mr Ofori Atta’s intervention was prompted by a Parliamentary question he posed to the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, on what support has been provided to promote inland aquaculture as an alternative livelihood for displaced food crop farmers in the Fanteakwa South Constituency.
In her response, the Minister disclosed that Government is rolling a new aquaculture support programme targeting institutions and groups to venture into aquaculture as a business.
This initiative, she noted, forms part of broader efforts to diversify livelihoods, reduce rural poverty, and boost domestic fish production.
The Minister encouraged farmer-based organizations and the displaced farmers in the Fanteakwa area to take advantage of the aquaculture programme by the ministry.
Hon. Ofori Atta welcomed the intervention but urged that more deliberate and location-specific policies be developed to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities in adopting interest inland aquaculture.
The MP also sought to know from the minister why artisanal fisheries were not subjected to a closed season to benefit spawning and increase stock.
He noted that implementing a regulated rest period as was done during the previous regime, helped in replenishing dwindling fish stocks and secure the long-term viability of the sector.
The Minister, in response, acknowledged the concern and stated that the Ministry is exploring options for developing a tailored closed season policy for inland fisheries, taking into consideration ecological, social, and economic factors.
As Ghana grapples with the twin challenges of food insecurity and youth unemployment, stakeholders believe that targeted investments in inland aquaculture and fisheries could unlock a new frontier of rural economic transformation.
