He said with cost reduction the aquaculture industry would flourish, improve fish production and thereby contribute to marginal reduction in the price of fish and increased local consumption.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr Dzamefe Jnr expressed worry that the high cost of feed was making the sector unattractive and decreasing farmers’ production too.

“A government subsidy on feeds and essential inputs and logistics will greatly lessen the burden and provide much-needed relief to the farmers in the aquaculture sector,” he stated.
He said the region would enhance extension services through the utilisation of electronic platforms aimed at offering fish farmers’ convenient access to technical support and ultimately improve their production.

Mr Dzamefe Jnr announced plans to implement a biosecurity management scheme to ensure that aquaculture facilities had the necessary permits to help regulate the sector.

“These measures are critical for regulating the sector and guaranteeing that the fish produced are of high quality, free from diseases, and safe for human consumption”, he stated adding that would further enable farmers to obtain premium prices for their produce.

Mr Dzamefe Jnr explained that the commission in the region had deployed veterinary fish health officers who were specially trained to oversee the implementation of the biosecurity plans.