Findings of a research conducted by the University of Energy and Natural Resources has highlighted the rise in the indiscriminate and wrongful use of antibiotics for fish farming in the Bono Region.
Dr Seyramsarah B Setufe, the Head of the Fisheries and Water Resources of the University who disclosed the findings in an interview with the media noted that many fish farmers directly poured antibiotics into ponds and water bodies to tackle fish-bacteria diseases.
She was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the opening session of a research project and stakeholders’ engagement, organised by the School of Natural Resources of the UENR at Fiapre, near Sunyani.
The engagement was on the theme: “Partnering Innovative Research in Natural Resources for Sustainable Development”.
The day’s engagement was attended by industry players, development organisations, professional bodies and other partner institutions like the Fisheries Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority.
“When we consume these fishes, what happens is that we accumulate antibiotics in our bodies and our bodies develop resistance to the anti-biotics”, Dr Setufe stated.
She added: “When we have diseases relating to bacterial infections and we take antibiotics they aren’t efficacious because our bodies have already developed the resistance”.
Dr Setufe described the situation as alarmingly worrying, and dangerous, and called for intensified advocacy towards regulating the use of antibiotics by the fish farmers.
She called for effective collaboration between research institutions, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in enlightening fish farmers about the proper use of antibiotics in fighting bacterial diseases in their ponds and in water bodies.
Earlier in a speech read on his behalf, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice-Chancellor of the UENR, stressed the institution’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for research, innovation and community engagement.
He emphasised the university’s preparedness to continue investing in strengthening research capacity, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and building strategic partnerships that advance knowledge and sustainable development.
Prof Daniel Akoto Sarfo, the Dean of UENR’s School of Natural Resources, lauded the university’s commitment and unwavering support for research, innovation and academic excellence.
He said the school remained committed to producing graduates who were not only academically competent, but also equipped with practical skills, ethical values and innovative thinking to contribute meaningfully to society.