Youth are the machinery for national development and In quest of national development, it is critical to develop their capabilities in all the sector of the economy, especially, in aquaculture.
The CEO of the Chamber of Aquaculture, Mr. Jacob Adzikah revealed this during the launch of the 2024 aquaculture exhibition at Accra.
Speaking to the theme “Stakeholders collaborations: A key to building a resilient Aquaculture industry,” the CEO of the Chamber stated that the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana has the youth at heart and has established the start-up arena, where all young men and women will be assembled to showcase their potentials in the aquaculture sector.
This according to him, would aid in shaping and guiding the potentials embed in the youth. The industry need the young individuals to thrive it in the expense of the aged and such exhibition relevant to converge the youth under one umbrella for capacity building to the nation building.
Talking about the exhibition, he mentioned that the Aquaculture exhibition is scheduled to take place from May 30 to May 31 this year at the World Trade Center in Accra.
He indicated that the goal is to provide a forum for aquaculture practitioners to build the capability of the youth, network, showcase, and educate stakeholders on modern trends to promote aquaculture sector.
He assured that aquaculture 2024 will be impactful and engaging, featuring all stakeholders not limited to fish farmers, rather in academia, feed producers, researchers, food vendors, media, financial and insurance institutions.
He again said that such events help the chamber appreciate personalities and institutions doing well in the aquaculture sector.
The CEO also indicated that the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana will present eighteen awards to individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly to ensure the industry grows, despite all the hurdles confronting the industry, including the recent dam spillage that caused many people to lose their jobs.
He also said that there is less collaboration among stakeholders within the aquaculture sector and that this year’s event will bridge that gap.
Adding his voice to the launch was the Director of Research at MoFAD, Mr. Ishmael Nii Adjei Browne, who indicated that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development acknowledges the role of sustainable aquaculture in alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks.
He further said that aquaculture is the vehicle to bridge the gap between escalating fish demand and the nation’s natural resources.
He urged financial institutions to invest in aquaculture, stating that it will be successful. He again said that there should be a partnership with international organizations and government which will help the aquaculture sector thrive.
Also echoing what was being said was the CEO of Aquatic Foods, Mrs. Mabel Quarshie, who also asserted that Aquaculture Ghana includes everyone affected by a decision, as she classified Ghana’s aquaculture as having different groups involved in the value chain.
She indicated that they do their things without the involvement of others within the value chain, which is impeding the progress of the chamber.
She therefore questioned the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as to the reasons why aquaculture wasn’t featured in the planting for foods and jobs phase two. “Where is the rearing for foods and jobs?” she questioned.
Mrs. Mabel Quarshie mentioned that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and policymakers did not consider the aquaculture sector when thinking through the prospects of phase two of the planting for foods and jobs and urged them to consider aquaculture.
The launch of Aquaculture Ghana 2024 event featured distinguished speakers like Hon. Moses Anim, MP, Former Deputy Minister at MoFAD, Mr. Wisdom Abodakpi, CEO of Cycle Farms, Mr. Jacob Adzikah, CEO of the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, Mr. Ishmael Nii Adjei Browne, Director of Research at MoFAD, Mr. Naga Murali, CEO of Fish and Feed Limited, Mrs. Mabel Quarshie, CEO of Aquatic Foods, Dr. Cudjoe Kofitsyo, Mr. Fred Kwasi Antwi-Boadu, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, and Professor Francis Nunoo, Chairman of the Board of Fisheries Commission.
