The Chief Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Dr Afisah Zakariah, has referred to the Fish for Development (FFD) Programme as a milestone in Ghana’s partnership with Norway.
She made the remarks on behalf of the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Emelia Arthur, at the official closure workshop of the FFD Programme, held in Accra on Monday.
She praised the seven-year initiative for strengthening the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector through evidence-based reform, institutional capacity building and innovation.
The event brought together key stakeholders from government, development partners, and the fishing industry to review achievements recorded over the life of the programme and to discuss strategies for sustaining the gains made.
Dr Zakariah commended Norway, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), and participating local institutions for their commitment to building Ghana’s capacity for evidence-based decision-making in the management of its marine and aquaculture resources.
“This programme has not only transformed how we manage our fisheries,” Dr Zakariah said. “It has equipped our institutions with the tools, systems, and knowledge to sustain those improvements long after the programme has ended,” she added.
Among the key achievements highlighted at the workshop was the launch of Ghana’s Aquaculture Development Plan covering the period 2024 to 2028. The plan sets out a strategic framework for expanding and modernising the country’s aquaculture industry.
The programme supported the digitalisation of aquaculture farm registration and improved aquatic animal health systems.
The programme also invested in a new Fisheries Management Plan, enhanced data systems, and stronger enforcement through Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) training.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
