The Vice-President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has launched the Aquaculture Development Fund, pledging government support to expand fish production, create more jobs, and strengthen food security. 

The Fund was established under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) to operationalise government support for aquaculture growth, job creation, and food security.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said the Fund would also enhance access to finance, support infrastructure, and accelerate research to drive growth in the aquaculture sector.

She explained that the Fund would unlock investment opportunities and revitalise local economies which would position Ghana as a leader in sustainable aquaculture.

This, she stated, was crucial to the government’s vision to build a modern, competitive, and inclusive industry that would provide nutritious food, decent jobs, and prosperity.

“The Fund will open new investment zones, generate jobs, and revitalise local economies from the coastal zone to the hinterland,” she said.

The Vice-President further indicated that aquaculture had become a key pillar of Ghana’s sustainable development vision, with the sector supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing to nutrition and industrial growth.

“Aquaculture is not only about fish; it is about food security, jobs, and livelihoods. It improves nutrition, supports rural economies, and drives industrial growth through value addition, trade, and technology,” she stated.

The launch happened on Thursday (October 30th) at the Aquaculture Ghana 2025 conference in Accra. 

Innovation, policy reform  

The Vice-President stated that the National Aquaculture Commercial and Training Centre would soon begin operations as a centre of excellence for technology transfer, capacity building, and large-scale fish production.

The centre, she explained, would strengthen training and research while improving efficiency in production and processing.

She further announced that a one-stop aquaculture licensing regime was being designed to simplify regulations, reduce operational costs, and promote compliance in the sector.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also stated that government had implemented targeted measures to address the limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, slow technology adoption, and disease outbreaks that slowed growth in the sector.

“We are aware of the significant challenges, but we are implementing targeted measures to overcome these constraints and ensure sustainable growth,” she said.
reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming aquaculture into a strategic economic driver.

Collaboration, youth involvement  

The Vice-President emphasised that the future of aquaculture in Ghana depended on collaboration and active youth involvement, urging the private sector, academic institutions, and local communities to work together in developing the aquaculture industry.

“The future of aquaculture depends on public-private partnerships and cooperation with research institutions. Government, private sector, and universities must work together to scale production, processing, and consumption,” she stated.

Commitment

For her part, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s aquaculture sector through innovation, inclusion and job creation.

Ms Arthur said the government remained determined to harness the full potential of aquaculture to enhance food security, generate employment and strengthen Ghana’s blue economy.

She commended aquaculture farmers and entrepreneurs for their resilience and hard work despite facing economic and environmental challenges calling ‘the foundation of Ghana’s aquaculture transformation.’

The minister also expressed appreciation to the Chamber for its professionalism and commitment in steering Aquaculture Ghana into a premier platform for industry engagement.

She said the Ministry valued its partnership with the Chamber and remained committed to strengthening that collaboration to ensure the sustainable expansion of the aquaculture industry.