The seminar which was hosted by the University for Development Studies (UDS) in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, highlighted environmental risks and advocated sustainable practices for healthier ecosystems and communities.

The initiative, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), aimed to advance sustainable aquaculture practices.
It is a collaborative effort involving leading universities across West Africa and Norway.

These include UDS, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the University of Ghana (UG), KNUST, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI).

Around 80 local fish farmers from volta lakeside communities, including Asutuare, Akuse, and Akosombo, attended the meeting which also attracted other key stakeholders from the Fisheries Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and academic institutions.

The event was intended to present groundbreaking findings from a thorough study on the use of antibiotic in fish farming and discuss challenges encountered during data collection.

Dr Emmanuel Delwin Abarike, the Aquahem Team Leader from the University for Development Studies (UDS), underscored the importance of responsible fish health management, advocating collaboration between researchers, regulators, and farmers to ensure sustainable practices.

He said by fostering a partnership that integrated scientific research, regulatory frameworks, and practical farming techniques, stakeholders could make informed decisions that enhanced fish health and overall production efficiency.
He explained that the collaborative approach did not only addresses immediate health concerns but also paved the way for long-term sustainability in the aquaculture industry.

Mr Samuel Opoku Dandi, a PhD candidate, revealed in the study that traces of antibiotics were found in fish and lake sediments, raising alarm about potential human health risks and environmental quality.

He cautioned that improper antibiotic residue management could compromise water resources relied upon by local communities for domestic and agricultural purposes.

An open forum led by Dr Seth Mensah Abobi, a Researcher, explored challenges faced by fish farmers, including limited expert guidance on fish health, substandard feed, and weak regulatory enforcement.
Professor Samuel Addo, Aquahem's Lead Coordinator, emphasised the long-standing issue of fish diseases and the growing threats posed by antibiotic overuse, including drug resistance.

Mr Patrick Appenteng from the Fisheries Commission in Akosombo, warned the farmers and other participants of the risks of bioaccumulation of antibiotics in fish, which could have long-term consequences for human health.
He urged farmers to consult expert fish health officers and adopt sustainable practices to mitigate these risks.

"Fishes thrive in water, and indiscriminate antibiotic use can lead to residues affecting water quality often used for domestic purposes, irrigation, and animal production, therefore we must ensure sustainable aquaculture to protect both the ecosystem and human health," he said.

Professor Benedicta Fosu-Mensah, the Chairperson of the event, encouraged farmers to follow proper antibiotic use guidelines, including a 21-day withdrawal period, to safeguard public health and maintain the viability of their businesses.

The workshop ended with a resounding call for stronger collaboration among farmers, government agencies, and research institutions to address critical challenges and advance sustainable fish farming practices on the Volta Lake.