Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Reaffirms Government Commitment at Aquaculture Ghana 2025
Aquaculture Ghana 2025 Conference and Exhibition
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed government’s strong commitment to growing Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, describing it as a key driver of food security, sustainable employment, and inclusive economic transformation.
Speaking at the Aquaculture Ghana Conference 2025 in Accra, she said aquaculture remains central to the government’s broader plan of transforming agriculture and strengthening the blue economy.
The Economic Importance of Aquaculture
Ghana currently depends on fish for about 60% of its animal protein, yet local production is not enough to meet demand. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said this gap offers significant opportunity for investment and local growth.
She explained that while marine fisheries are under pressure, aquaculture remains the best alternative to meet local consumption and support export potential. “If we get aquaculture right, we can feed the nation, create jobs, and earn foreign exchange,” she added.
The vice president’s remarks underline the government’s plan to make aquaculture a key driver of rural development and economic transformation.
Government to Launch Aquaculture Development Fund
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang disclosed that the government will soon launch an Aquaculture Development Fund to directly support farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors in the aquaculture value chain.
She said the initiative forms part of the recently passed Aquaculture Bill, which provides a stronger legal and institutional framework for developing the sector.
“This fund will support capacity building, access to finance, research, and infrastructure to help farmers scale up production,” she explained. “It’s time we empower those already working hard in this field and attract more young people into aquaculture.”
Aquaculture and the 24-Hour Economy Agenda
The Vice President also linked aquaculture to the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, noting that the sector naturally supports round-the-clock operations through hatchery management, fish feeding, and processing activities.
“Aquaculture fits perfectly into the 24-hour economy. It offers continuous work opportunities for Ghanaians across production, logistics, cold storage, and marketing,” she said. “This is how we create decent, sustainable jobs while improving food security.”
Partnerships for the Future
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang encouraged private investors and research institutions to partner with the government, especially through the National Aquaculture Centre in Amrahia. The facility, she said, represents a ready platform for training, production, and technological innovation.
Collaboration with the Chamber of Agriculture Ghana
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also commended the Chamber of Agriculture Ghana for its role in organizing the conference and promoting dialogue among government, investors, and farmers.
She noted that such partnerships are key to achieving the targets of the Ghana Aquaculture Investment and Partnership 2025 agenda. The Chamber’s work in uniting farmers, researchers, and policymakers was recognized as a model of industry coordination.
A Clear Direction
The Vice President concluded by saying that Ghana’s vision for aquaculture is clear: to move from small-scale scattered initiatives to a structured, well-financed, and technology-driven industry that provides food, jobs, and export revenue.
Read Also: ASC, Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana Sign MoU to Boost Sustainable Fish Farming
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