The Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Trobu, Hon. Moses Anim, has urged Ghanaians, including Members of Parliament, to engage in aquaculture production in their homes. He believes this will help reduce the importation of fish into the country and save over US$10 billion in annual imports.
He encouraged his colleagues to go into catfish and tilapia production, as these are easy to cultivate and can be reared in small drums in one’s backyard.
Hon. Moses Anim, made these remarks during a debate in Parliament on President Nana Akufo-Addo’s message on the State of the Nation, where he emphasized the need for countries to increase their import substitution to survive post-pandemic.
In addition to his call to action, the Deputy Fisheries Minister, also discussed the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture’s revised policy, which focuses on conservation and sustainable management of fishery resources to increase fisheries infrastructure and production. The policy has been expanded from five to 11 focal points, with marine, in-land, and aquaculture each being standalone areas.
Meanwhile, a five-member ad hoc cabinet committee set up by President Nana Akufo-Addo on the implementation modalities to enhance domestic production in 20 selected products on which the country spends more than US$10 billion importing yearly has submitted its report. The policy expected to enhance domestic production and export development is centered on four main strategies: reducing the country’s import bill, enhancing domestic productive capacity, generating employment opportunities, and diversifying and expanding Ghana’s export capacity.
BY:AGRIWATCH REPORTER
