The site of a rice farm plagued by drought in the Volta Region.
The Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Body (GRIB) has revealed that rice production in the Volta Region of Ghana faces bleak consequences this year due to ongoing drought conditions which are disrupting production in some parts of the Region.
According to the body, farmers in the Akatsi North and South districts in the Volta Region have been gravely affected by poor rainfall patterns and are likely to lose their entire output for the 2021/2022 season.
“In Ketu South alone, over 700 hectares of rice have been lost to the drought. “The problem covers several areas including Kpoglu, Avalavi, Klenomadi and Avie in Ketu North, Akatsi in Akatsi South, Tongu Districts, Afadzato South District and Hohoe Municipal areas,” the President said.
This comes as a blow to the sector, which is an attempt to wean the country off rice importation by achieving self-sufficiency in production by 2025.
As if that is not enough, the affected farmers will have to wait till next year before they can earn some income.
Speaking to the reporter, President of GRIB Nana Agyei Ayeh II said some members of the farmers reached out to him to ascertain the situation and find a solution to the looming danger.
The President, together with some of the officials of the John A. Kufuor Foundation paid a working visit to the farms, and on their observation, several hectares of rice under cultivation are lost due to climate change and low levels of rainfall in these communities.
The woes of the farmers are further exacerbated by the huge investments they have already made in land preparation, seeds, and fertilizer.
However, the provisional production figures by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) indicate that about 973, 000 metric tonnes of rice were produced in Ghana in 2020. But, this figure could be hard to match in 2021 if the current situation persists.
Nana Agyei Ayeh II revealed that the existing dam structure which was built to harvest water to irrigate the farmlands is in a dire state of disrepair, leaving farmers at the mercy of the harsh weather conditions.
“We cannot continue with rain-fed agriculture. As you can see, this year, farmers have lost their investments simply because the rains failed them.
We would like to appeal to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide dugouts for these areas. These will aid in water conservations for the purposes of irrigation in such times like what we facing now” he added.
The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana has called for structured price adjustments across the agricultural value chain in response to favourable macroeconomic conditions. In a press statement issued by the Chamber, the release states;
The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) acknowledges with appreciation the recent decision by the National Association of Seed Traders and Agro-input Dealers (NASTAG) to reduce seed prices for farmers a timely and economically rational response to prevailing macroeconomic developments.
Over the past several months, Ghana has witnessed a confluence of favorable economic indicators: a sustained decline in global petroleum prices, coupled with a notable appreciation and enhanced stability of the Ghana Cedi against major reserve currencies. These developments have significantly reduced input and operational costs across multiple sectors of the economy.
From a technical economic standpoint, the transmission mechanism from these macro-level improvements to end-user pricing is both direct and quantifiable:
Fuel cost reductions lower transportation, mechanization, and logistics expenses throughout the agricultural value chain from farmgate to market.
Cedi appreciation diminishes the landed cost of imported agro-inputs, including fertilizers, machinery, spare parts, and processing equipment by as much as 15–20% in real terms, based on current exchange rate trends.
Empirical evidence from input-output models confirms that cost pass-through elasticity in agrifood systems is high; thus, savings at the import or wholesale level should translate proportionally into retail and consumer prices.
Strategic price adjustments enhance real household income, stimulate aggregate demand for food, and directly advance national objectives on nutrition, poverty reduction, and inflation containment.
In this context, and in full alignment with His Excellency the President’s strategic vision of ensuring that “food is affordable, accessible, and abundant for every Ghanaian,” the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana hereby issues a formal appeal to all sector stakeholders including:
Fertilizer importers and distributors
Agro-machinery and equipment dealers
Commodity aggregators and processors
Input retailers and logistics service providers
to implement immediate, transparent, and proportionate price reductions reflective of current cost structures.
We call for a nationwide recalibration of pricing across the entire agricultural ecosystem covering seeds, fertilizers, machinery rentals, processed staples, and fresh produce to ensure that macroeconomic gains are equitably distributed and do not remain confined to upstream actors.
The Chamber further proposes the establishment of a Sectoral Price Monitoring Desk, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ghana Statistical Service, to track compliance, measure welfare impacts, and provide data-driven policy feedback.
This moment presents a critical opportunity to demonstrate corporate responsibility, sectoral solidarity, and unwavering commitment to national development priorities. Let us collectively turn macroeconomic stability into tangible household benefits.
The Senior Advisor to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has held a high-level meeting with the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, in Accra to advance national efforts toward harmonising Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy (BES) and the Ghana Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP).
The engagement formed part of ongoing government actions to strengthen policy coherence, enhance coordination across institutions, and ensure effective implementation of Ghana’s ocean and blue economy agenda in line with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the meeting, Dr. Thompson proposed the immediate establishment of a Joint Technical Committee comprising representatives from the Blue Economy Secretariat and the SDGs Advisory Unit. The Committee is expected to align activities, indicators, and progress-tracking mechanisms under both frameworks to ensure coordinated implementation and timely policy support to the Presidency, particularly ahead of international ocean-related engagements.
Proposed Membership of the Joint Technical Committee
Ms. Eyram Agbemava – Technical Advisor, SDGs Advisory Unit (Office of the President)
Mr. Fred K. Antwi-Boadu – Coordinator and Focal Person, Blue Economy Secretariat (MOFA)
Prof. Berchie Asiedu – Deputy Executive Director (Technical), Fisheries Commission
Ms. Patience Ampomah – Senior Planning Analyst, National Development Planning Commission (NDPC)
Ms. Jacqueline Aheto – Assistant Director I, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Hon. Emelia Arthur welcomed the proposal and expressed her full support for the formation of the Joint Technical Committee.
She emphasised the importance of strong inter-sectoral collaboration in strengthening ocean governance, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and accelerating the implementation of Ghana’s blue economy priorities.
The Minister further noted that harmonising the two national frameworks will enhance efficiency, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure that Ghana presents a coherent and unified national position on ocean and blue economy issues at both regional and global levels.
The harmonisation initiative marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management, climate resilience, food security, and inclusive economic growth, while reinforcing the country’s leadership role in global ocean governance and sustainable development.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a hazardous substance known as “akeshaa parazone” is being used in the preparation of foods such as waakye, okro and “ayoyo” soup.
In a statement issued on January 28, 2026, the FDA said investigations and routine market surveillance have established that the substance commonly used by food vendors is sodium carbonate, locally known as soda ash or “light,” which is a globally recognised and approved food additive for specific applications.
According to the Authority, sodium carbonate is used in food preparation to enhance texture and colour, increase the sliminess of okro and ayoyo, and help tenderise foods such as meat or beans. It stressed that the substance is not a cleaning powder or bleach.
The FDA explained that the confusion stems from the similarity in appearance between soda ash and bleach, locally referred to as “akeshaa parazone,” as both are white powders.
However, it noted that the two substances are fundamentally different. While sodium carbonate is safe for consumption when used appropriately, bleach is toxic and corrosive and must never be used in food preparation.
“Sodium carbonate enhances the texture and colour of foods by altering pH levels. It increases the sliminess of okro and “ayoyo” and helps tenderise other foods such as meat or beans in “waakye.” The critical difference While sodium carbonate (soda ash light) and bleach (akeshaa parazone) may look similar, as both are white Powders. They are fundamentally different.
“Sodium carbonate is odourless with a salty taste and is safe for consumption as an additive. Bleach (akeshaa parazone) on the other hand, has a strong, pungent and toxic odour, and may cause severe health damage if ingested. Including burning and organ damage. It can be fatal. Bleach must never be used in food,” the statement said.
The Authority warned that bleach consumption can cause severe health damage, including burning of the mouth and throat and organ damage, and could be fatal.
The FDA said it is taking steps to protect public health and safety, including continuous market sensitisation and consumer education on the safe use of regulated products, as well as enforcing proper labelling of all regulated products with marketing authorisation.
It also urged the public to report any suspicious practices or products through its offices nationwide, its website, or official social media platforms and hotlines.
The Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has disclosed that although a large proportion of Ghanaians have access to basic water services, less than half of the population benefits from safely managed water sources.
According to the minister, data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) indicate that about 88% of Ghana’s population has access to basic water services. However, less than half enjoy safely managed water services.
“Only 44% per cent of the population benefits from safely managed water services, defined as an improved water source that is on-premises, available when needed and free from contamination,” Mr Adjei stated in the Government Accountability Series held in Accra on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Mr Adjei noted that while overall access figures may appear encouraging, significant disparities persist between urban and rural communities.
He explained that urban water access stands at about 96%, compared to an average of 74% in rural areas.
“Certain regions are experiencing access rates as low as 42%. It is important to note that these figures include communities where service is often intermittent and unreliable,” he added.
Highlighting challenges confronting urban water delivery, the minister pointed to the high levels of non-revenue water, estimated at 50%—double the international benchmark of 25%.
“One of the critical challenges facing urban water supply is non-revenue water, which stands at an estimated 50%,” he said, warning that the situation continues to undermine efficiency and financial sustainability within the sector.
Mr Adjei further revealed that nearly four million Ghanaians still rely on unimproved, limited, or surface water sources, exposing them to serious health and environmental risks.
He attributed the challenges in the water sector to a combination of structural and environmental factors, including aging infrastructure, low investment in maintenance, poor cost recovery mechanisms, high operational costs, pollution of water bodies, and climate-induced variability.
The minister assured that the government remains committed to addressing these challenges through targeted investments, sector reforms, and improved collaboration with development partners to expand access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water services across the country.
Organised rubber farmers and other actors within Ghana’s rubber value chain have rejected claims by the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG) that it represents the interests of rubber farmers and industry players nationwide.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of the Rubber Farmers Association of Ghana (RUFAG), Mr. Michael Kwaw Nyarku, the farmers said ANRAG lacked the legitimacy and mandate to present itself as an umbrella body for the natural rubber industry.
The statement followed a recent press release by ANRAG published on MyJoyOnline, in which the association commented on issues relating to rubber pricing, exports and value addition.
According to the farmers, while ANRAG has the right to exist as a registered association and advocate for its members, it cannot credibly claim to represent the entire rubber value chain.
“Representation in a value chain as diverse as rubber cannot be self-assigned,” the statement said, adding that any umbrella body must derive its legitimacy from broad-based consent and inclusive engagement with key stakeholders, particularly farmers.
The farmers accused ANRAG of excluding farmer groups from decision-making and advancing positions that serve the interests of a few processing and drying companies, rather than the wider industry.
They further challenged ANRAG’s assertions on pricing, describing them as lacking moral authority because the association is dominated by buyers rather than producers.
“If processors and dryers are already offering competitive prices, there should be no justification for calling for a ban on raw rubber exports,” the statement said, arguing that such calls point to fear of competition rather than concern for farmer welfare.
On claims that the rubber market is not monopolistic, the farmers maintained that the issue was not the number of processors but the conduct of the market, alleging coordinated pricing behaviour among buyers that disadvantages farmers.
The statement also dismissed ANRAG’s emphasis on value addition, describing it as misleading, and accused some processors of exporting rubber in raw or semi-processed form while seeking to deny farmers access to export markets.
The farmers disclosed that they had petitioned the President, the Ministers for Food and Agriculture and Trade and Industry, and other authorities to protest against restrictions on raw rubber exports.
They also rejected claims that exporters were responsible for credit financing risks in the sector, arguing that loan default challenges existed before exporters entered the market and were rooted in weaknesses within existing financing and off-take arrangements.
On regulation, the farmers said the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) had consulted relevant value-chain committees in line with established procedures, contrary to ANRAG’s claims.
The statement cautioned against any attempt by private associations to assume regulatory roles, stressing that matters relating to exports, valuation and compliance fall within the statutory mandate of the TCDA and other state institutions.
The farmers called for inclusive engagement, respect for institutional mandates and data-driven oversight to ensure sustainable growth of Ghana’s natural rubber industry.
When President John Dramani Mahama announced his first batch of ministers, few appointments generated as much anticipation as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture. For years, stakeholders had expressed frustration over the absence of visionary leadership capable of addressing the sector’s complex ecological, economic, and governance challenges.
The nomination of Hon. Emelia Arthur a native of Shama and a respected development practitioner therefore sparked both optimism and debate. While many believed her community roots positioned her well for the role, others questioned her practical experience in fisheries management.
Her impressive performance during the ministerial vetting, however, quickly settled the debate. She demonstrated a deep understanding of the sector’s problems and articulated a clear, forward‑looking vision, earning widespread praise across traditional and social media.
Leadership Style & Early Engagement
Hon. Emelia Arthur assumed office on January 27, 2025, and immediately set a tone of accessibility, humility, and community‑centred leadership. She held introductory meetings with staff of the Ministry, the Fisheries Commission, and the Premix Secretariat, followed by engagements with key stakeholder groups including GNCFC, GUTA, NAFTA, industrial trawler operators, OMCs, and BDCs.
Her leadership style marked by an open‑door policy and a down‑to‑earth approach has endeared her to fisherfolk nationwide. Unlike her predecessors, who often met fisherfolk representatives in Accra or regional capitals, she chose to visit landing beaches across the Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions within her first month in office.
A memorable moment occurred at Poase near New Takoradi, where a woman remarked, “Minister iyi dze obra ne ho ase paa” (“This minister is very humble”) after Hon. Arthur walked through the community rather than drive her V8 to the meeting venue. Such gestures have strengthened her connection with coastal communities and enhanced trust in her leadership.
3. Policy Reforms & Sectoral Achievements of Government
3.1 Key Messages Delivered During Field Visits
No Closed Season for Artisanal Fishers
Closed seasons will apply only to semi‑industrial and industrial fleets.
Artisanal fishers must strictly observe traditional conservation practices, including the Tuesday fishing ban, which provides at least 48 non‑fishing days annually.
Bans on light fishing, dynamite use, illegal nets, and all IUU practices will be strictly enforced.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and closed areas will be introduced to support stock recovery.
Fish test kits will be deployed to detect illegal catches, with offenders prosecuted.
Monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) will be intensified, including EMS on trawlers and LaBECs by the Marine Police.
Premix Fuel Reforms
Immediate formation of Landing Beach Committees (LBCs).
Resumption of premix supply directly to communities.
Removal of district and regional premix coordinators to curb smuggling and hoarding.
Installation of tracking devices on premix tankers.
Enforcement of accountability for the 53% community development component.
Provision of Fishing Inputs The government is committed to supplying subsidized nets, outboard motors, and other gear conditional on adherence to sustainable fishing practices.
Operationalising the Anomabo Fisheries College Processes have begun to operationalize the long‑abandoned Anomabo Fisheries College, a key vision initiated under the late President Mills.
Integration of the 24‑Hour Economy Concept Hon. Arthur aims to embed the 24‑hour economy concept into fisheries and aquaculture operations to boost productivity and job creation.
Establishing the Blue Economy Commission She articulated a bold Blue Economy Initiative to sustainably harness Ghana’s marine and freshwater resources for economic transformation.
3.2 Major Achievements of the NDC Government in the Fisheries Sector After One Year
The Passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) One major significant achievement of the President Mahama-led administration within the fisheries sector is the passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act, 1146) This landmark legislation:
Establishes an Independent Fisheries Commission.
Strengthens legal frameworks to align with international best practices.
Introduces tougher sanctions against illegal fishing.
Enhances safety and welfare standards for fishing crews.
Expands the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from 6 to 12 nautical miles.
The Act is expected to safeguard over $425 million in annual seafood exports and reposition Ghana as a leader in sustainable fisheries governance.
National Blue Economy Strategy Approved
Cabinet approved Ghana’s first National Blue Economy Strategy, built around six pillars: Blue Wealth, Blue Health, Blue Knowledge, Blue Finance, Blue Equity, and Blue City. The national blue economy strategy is crucial for Ghana’s development as it focuses on sustainable exploitation of ocean resources. Key benefits include:
Empowerment of small-scale fishers, enhancing their livelihoods and reducing poverty in coastal areas.
Economic growth through sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, which are vital to the country’s socio-economic wellbeing.
Environmental stewardship, promoting the health of marine ecosystems and addressing climate change.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which aim to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable practices.
Overall, the blue economy represents a sustainable approach to harnessing Ghana’s marine resources, contributing to both economic and environmental sustainability.
Ratification of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
This strengthens global efforts against harmful subsidies and IUU fishing, aligning with Ghana’s Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026).
Approval of Ghana’s First Marine Protected Area
A 700 km² MPA has been approved for the Greater Cape Three Points area to restore ecosystems and rebuild fish stocks.
Draft Inland Fisheries Management Plan (2026–2030)
Ghana’s first comprehensive inland fisheries plan has been developed, emphasizing sustainability and community participation.
Anomabo Fisheries College at 70% Completion
Construction has progressed significantly, with a draft curriculum and governance structure developed.
351 Landing Beach Committees Reconstituted
This enhances grassroots governance and ensures equitable premix distribution.
Increased Premix Supply
Between February and November 2025, 28.7 million litres of premix were supplied directly from TOR to landing beaches, eliminating intermediaries and reducing corruption.
Payment of GHS 91.2 Million Legacy Debt by Government Government cleared outstanding debts owed to BDCs, restoring premix supply reliability and reducing fishing costs.
Expansion of Automated Premix Dispensing Sites
Automated sites increased from 42 to 57, equipped with modern monitoring technology to curb diversion and enhance transparency.
4. Governance & Accountability Measures
Hon. Emelia Arthur, in line with President Mahama’s vision of transparent and accountable governance has prioritized transparency and community accountability, particularly regarding premix fuel management under L.I. 2233.
Key governance measures include:
Enforcing the requirement that 53% of premix margins be deposited into designated community development accounts.
Conducting community accountability sessions in Sekondi, New Takoradi, Abuesi, and other areas.
Reinforcing the role of LBCs as trustees—not owners—of premix fuel and its proceeds.
Strengthening oversight to address weak record‑keeping, politicization of LBC structures, and limited community information.
These measures aim to rebuild trust, ensure equitable benefits, and promote responsible local governance.
5. Challenges facing the Fisheries Sector
Despite significant progress made by government within the fisheries sector, the sector continues to face persistent challenges, including:
Inadequate post‑harvest infrastructure and high losses
Premix supply constraints linked to under‑recovery issues
Implementation challenges with L.I. 2233
Limited public and private sector funding
Weak co‑management and community compliance
6. Government’s Strategic Outlook for the Fisheries Sector in 2026
Government priorities for 2026 within the fisheries sector include:
Expanding aquaculture through the Volta Lake Blue Economy Aquaculture Park
Supporting women and youth in aquaculture production and marketing
Developing regulations to operationalize Act 1146
Constructing modern fish markets at Dambai (Oti Region) and Daboase Junction (Western Region)
Establishing the Blue Economy Commission
Procuring and distributing approved nets and outboard motors
Strengthening the Fisheries Enforcement Unit
Constructing regional and zonal offices of the Fisheries Commission
Deepening partnerships with international development organizations such as Oceana, Blue Ventures, Ocean 5, Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, and the University of British Columbia
7. Conclusion
On behalf of the NDC Government led by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on his vision she represents, Hon. Emelia Arthur, a proud daughter of Shama, has brought renewed energy, humility, and strategic clarity to Ghana’s fisheries sector. Through bold reforms, community‑centred leadership, and a commitment to sustainable resource management, she is paving the way for a brighter future in this vital sector. As Ghana strives to rebuild its fish stocks, enhance governance, and tap into the potential of the blue economy, her leadership shines as a beacon of hope and guidance for coastal communities and the nation. Supporting her vision is crucial for securing the livelihoods, ecosystems, and economic opportunities that rely on Ghana’s marine and inland waters. This is the clarion call we must all embrace to stand together in shaping a fisheries sector that honours our heritage, protects our livelihoods, and secures a sustainable future for generations yet unborn. Honourable, ayeekoo!
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku has paid a working visit to Kpong Irrigation Scheme to assess the 75% completion of the rehabilitation of Kpong Irrigation Scheme to combat climate variability and improve the resilience of Ghana’s food system.
Kpong Irrigation Project is the biggest irrigation site in Ghana irrigating about 4,040 hectares consisting of smallholder rice farmers made up of 2,040 hectares as well as the commercial banana farmers made up of, 2,000 hectares.
“Let me state that in this era of climate change, Ghana needs to build resilience to mitigate the shocks in water resources management for agriculture. In this regard, it is envisaged that the full rehabilitation of the scheme would improve its efficiency to increase agricultural production for both crop and fish farming,” the Project Lead of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, Kofi Modzaka said in his speech to welcome the Minister.
He confirmed that the rehabilitation of the second phase of the Scheme started in November 2024 with funding from the World Bank has been speedily facilitated to serve farmers at the enclave.
According to him, road construction within the enclave, section lining of the main canal, completing the conversion of open line channels to closed pipe system, and automating the entire Scheme are the entire rehabilitation works that are ongoing with 75% completed.
“The full rehabilitation of the scheme would improve its efficiency to increase agricultural production for both crop and fish farming, improve farmers’ income, improve access to farms, and prevent potential conflict among farmers whose sessions were not developed under the GCAP intervention. Likewise, access to water will also improve for all the private stakeholders who depend on the scheme for their operation,” he added.
However, financial constraint has impeded the progress of the work at the scheme. He believed that Minister’s visit would facilitate the work to its completion.
The Project Coordinator for West African Food System and Resilience Programme (FSRP), Mr. Osei Owusu-Agyemang added that irrigation goes beyond construction. “When we say irrigation people think about construction, but it goes beyond construction.”
He explained that irrigation talks more of the community that would be affected. It talks of the people who uses the facility provided.
“There is more to engage in than construction, because if you construct and the community does not accept it, the farmers don’t farm, it becomes useless and wasted,” he guided.
Charles Hombley, a farmer and the President for the Kpong Irrigation Scheme – Water Users Association commended GCAP, FSRP and all the stakeholders for the rehabilitation of the Scheme.
He however, stated that farmers are facing some challenges. Farmers are experiencing gluts on their farms, “we produce but we can’t sell, the paddy rice we produce, we cannot sell because there is no market.” He called on the Minister to assist with the off taking through buffer stock.
Again, he pleaded to the Minister to prioritise Asutsuare enclave when the government start constructing mechanization centres in the country.
He ended by calling the Minister for an excavator to facilitate the distillation of the drainage systems in the enclave.
To facilitate the completion of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme and make water available for all the 4,000 hectares of land for agricultural production, the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Eric Opoku mentioned that he has submitted the four certificates of payment to the finance minister for immediate action.
Minister said the government’s agenda is to transform the economy through agriculture, thus, Agriculture for Economic Transformation agenda. Feed Ghana Programme is to operationalize the agenda and irrigation is anchored in Feed Ghana Programme to transition Ghana’s agriculture from rain-fed to irrigation.
Due to this, he said irrigation is the topmost priority to the ministry and lump some of the Ministry’s resources have been directed to irrigation development to enhance year-round food production.
Minister assured the enclave of Farmer Service Centre to assist farmers who are predominantly smallholders who don’t have the means to procure huge equipment to get access to the equipment suitable for production and training.
“I agree perfectly with you. Every producer, whether in the agricultural space or elsewhere, the only motivation, the only thing that drives you into production is availability of markets. If the market is not there, there is no motivation for anyone to go into that production, unfortunately, in our case, our farmers have invested so much in production and they have produced so much and they are not getting the market for their produce,” he lamented.
He assured the farmer to liaise with the millers and Buffer Stock to off take all the paddy rice at the enclave to ease the hardship of the farmers. Minister rightly shared some contacts with the WUA association President to keep in touch to solve the issue.
He promised to procure excavator for the enclave to facilitate the distilling and to make sure all the roads within the enclave are constructed for the farmers to carry out effective production for the people of Ghana.
Beijing, China – 19 January 2026 – The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) has taken a major step toward transforming Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector following high-level strategic discussions with the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), China’s leading national fisheries research institution.
The engagement, led by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), forms part of the Government of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), which seeks to strengthen food security, create jobs, expand exports and enhance industrial competitiveness through strategic international partnerships.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of CAFS in Beijing, brought together senior officials from the Ministry, the 24H+ Secretariat and key Ghanaian economic institutions, alongside the leadership and technical directors of CAFS.
Fisheries and Aquaculture as a National Development Priority. Addressing the meeting, Hon. Emelia Arthur reaffirmed that fisheries and aquaculture remain critical pillars of Ghana’s development agenda, contributing significantly to food and nutrition security, employment, export earnings and the sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
She outlined Government’s vision to build a resilient, well-governed and science-driven fisheries and aquaculture sector, supported by strong institutions, modern technology and data-led decision-making.
“The Ministry is deliberately pursuing research-led partnerships that will strengthen Ghana’s capacity across aquaculture expansion, fisheries resource management, disease control, value addition and human capital development,” the Minister stated.
Deepening the 66-Year Ghana–China Partnership The engagement builds on the 66-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Ghana and China, with fisheries and aquaculture identified as a priority area for long-term cooperation.
CAFS, which operates under China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, showcased its extensive technical and institutional capacity, including: 14 specialised fisheries and aquaculture research institutes Nearly 5,000 scientists and technical experts Advanced research vessels, laboratories and field stations Active cooperation programmes in more than 40 countries, including across Africa
Key Areas of Cooperation Discussed
Aquaculture and Mariculture Development The Ministry expressed strong interest in collaboration to expand Ghana’s aquaculture production and close the national fish supply gap through: Marine fish farming (mariculture) systems Species diversification beyond tilapia Inland and coastal cage farming Scaled production for domestic and export markets
Capture Fisheries and Resource Management Discussions covered: Joint fish stock assessments and marine surveys Research vessel collaboration Strengthening fisheries data systems Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing Addressing climate change impacts on marine ecosystems
Fish Disease Control and Biosecurity MoFA highlighted existing national gaps in biosecurity and disease surveillance. CAFS expressed readiness to support Ghana through: Development of national biosecurity frameworks Strengthening diagnostic and laboratory systems Capacity building for fisheries officers and researchers
Capacity Building and Human Capital Development Both sides explored structured cooperation including: Scholarships and postgraduate training programmes Technical exchanges and expert deployments Partnerships with Ghanaian universities and research institutions Strengthening national fisheries research infrastructure
Fisheries Infrastructure and Value Chain Development Priority areas identified included: Fish processing and cold-chain infrastructure Feed production systems Aquaculture demonstration parks
Support for Phase II development of the Fisheries College Next Steps The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture will lead the next phase of engagement, which will include: Drafting a Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CAFS Identifying priority joint research programmes Planning CAFS technical missions to Ghana Establishing structured training and scholarship pipelines Exploring infrastructure collaboration and investment models A joint working group involving MoFA, CAFS and the 24H+ Secretariat is expected to be established by February 2026, with pilot projects targeted for rollout by mid-2026.
Strategic Impact The engagement positions fisheries and aquaculture as a strategic anchor of Ghana–China cooperation, aligned with: National food security goals Export expansion under the AfCFTA framework Research-driven policy and governance Sustainable Blue Economy growth Long-term skills and institutional development
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that international partnerships translate into tangible benefits for fishers, fish farmers, processors and coastal communities across Ghana.
As Ghana’s cocoa sector grapples with one of its most challenging periods in years, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) says it has stepped in to plug a critical financing gap threatening the cocoa supply chain, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars to keep licensed buying companies and farmers afloat.
“Well, the big thing that we’ve been trying to support over the last 18 months, because there’s been a bit of a financing gap with the cocoa board…and the LBC supply chain has had to selffinance,” Kelhofer said.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa beans, relies heavily on a tightly linked financing structure to move cocoa from farm gates to export markets.
However, disruptions to that flow, combined with production challenges, have heightened liquidity stress across the value chain.
To stabilise the system, the IFC says it has worked closely with local banks, regulators, the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance to channel funding in local currency to sustain operations.
“We’ve tried to step in, including with some support from the regulators, the central bank and the Ministry of Finance.
We’ve tried to step in to help the LBCs have sufficient liquidity, but local currency liquidity, hence via local banks,” he explained.
According to Kelhofer, the IFC has already provided more than $100 million, with total support potentially reaching $300 million this year, aimed at ensuring the cocoa supply chain remains functional.
“And so we’re proud to have provided over $100 million and maybe up to $300 million this year to help ensure that the whole cocoa supply chain remains viable and that farmers at the farm gate are seeing all the LBCs and getting as price competitive and the best return possible,” he said.
The intervention highlights the growing role of development finance institutions in backstopping strategically important sectors, as Ghana’s cocoa industry confronts financing constraints, production risks and broader market pressures.
Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has warned that Senior High School (SHS) managers who deny students adequate meals will face severe sanctions if found complicit.
Dr Apaak issued the warning in a Facebook post on Saturday, adding his voice to an official statement released by the Ghana Education Service (GES) over an alleged feeding situation at Savelugu Senior High School.
“Our students deserve balanced, nutritious and sufficient meals. Government has made sufficient funds available to ensure that,” Dr Apaak stated.
He cautioned that heads, matrons and bursars who engage in practices that deprive students of proper feeding would be held accountable.
“Managers of our secondary schools whose conduct denies our students good meals would face severe consequences if found complicit,” he added.
The comments follow a statement from the GES acknowledging a video circulating on social media that raised concerns about food provision at Savelugu Senior High School.
According to the Service, management had taken notice of the allegations and initiated investigations into the matter.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has sighted a video circulating on social media about an alleged food situation at Savelugu Senior High School,” the statement said.
The GES stressed that student feeding remains a priority and described any form of mismanagement as a serious offence.
“Management takes the quality of student feeding very seriously; hence, it prioritises quality feeding and views mismanagement as a serious offence,” the statement noted.
While addressing public concerns, the Service said the incident should not be seen as reflective of the national situation.
“Management wishes to assure the public, especially parents, that the incident at Savelugu Senior High School is an isolated case and does not reflect the overall feeding status nationwide,” it said.
GES further disclosed that investigations had already begun and pledged stronger oversight measures going forward.
“Investigations have been initiated into the matter,” the statement added, announcing plans to intensify unannounced monitoring visits to schools across the country.
The Service also appealed to school authorities and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with management to prevent future lapses.
“Stakeholders, and school heads especially, are urged to promptly report any peculiar challenges they encounter to management for timely intervention,” the statement said.
Dr Apaak’s intervention underscores the government’s position that funding constraints cannot be used to justify poor feeding practices, particularly at a time when resources have been made available to support students’ welfare.
