Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, represented Ghana at the Sea the Future Summit, where she engaged world leaders on advancing global blue food security and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Speaking at the ministerial discussion on Global Leadership in Blue Food Security, Minister Arthur highlighted Ghana’s commitment to building a modern, competitive, climate-resilient, and environmentally responsible aquaculture sector to strengthen food security, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic transformation.
“Aquaculture is not just an option for Ghana; it is a strategic necessity,” the Minister emphasized. With fish accounting for over 60 percent of the country’s animal protein intake, she noted that sustainable aquaculture remains central to ensuring affordable, nutritious, and reliable food supplies while supporting the livelihoods of millions across the fisheries value chain.
Under the Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan (2024–2028), the country aims to more than double commercial farmed fish production from 116,000 metric tonnes in 2023 to nearly 239,000 metric tonnes by 2028.
The plan also seeks to increase farmed fish’s market share from 14 percent to 25 percent and boost sector value from US$132 million to over US$314 million. Key priorities include environmental sustainability, fish health, food safety, regulatory compliance, and the creation of meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.
Minister Arthur further underscored Ghana’s strong interest in international collaboration in research, innovation, training, technology transfer, and trade. Priority areas include genetic improvement, alternative and sustainable feeds, precision aquaculture, energy-efficient production systems, and the strengthening of regional value chains. She stressed the importance of public–private partnerships that bring together governments, research institutions, startups, and investors to accelerate sector growth.
On the margins of the summit, the Minister held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Israel, India, and Azerbaijan, exploring opportunities for cooperation in aquaculture development, research and innovation, capacity building, technology transfer, and trade.
She expressed optimism that these engagements will yield practical partnerships and positive outcomes aligned with Ghana’s national aquaculture priorities.
Addressing climate change and environmental pressures, Minister Arthur outlined Ghana’s multi-layered approach, including the promotion of climate-smart practices, enhanced biosecurity, improved genetics and feed systems, and the adoption of renewable energy solutions to ensure long-term productivity, resilience, and profitability in the aquaculture sector.
Concluding her remarks, the Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to collaborate globally, stating, “The future of food is one we must build together.”
The Sea the Future Summit provided a critical platform for global knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective action toward securing sustainable blue food systems for the world.
Source : MOFA
