Fisheries Minister Calls for Sustaining Gains Under AHSS Programme

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has called for the gains made under the Animal Health Systems Strengthening (AHSS) Programme to be sustained through stronger disease surveillance, improved emergency response and the integration of biosecurity into aquaculture development.

Speaking at the Ghana Project Closure, Learning and Celebration Event in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister said the programme had enhanced the capacity of fisheries officers, veterinarians and laboratory personnel in disease detection, investigation and response, including preparedness for threats such as Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) and Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS).

She called for sustained financing and stronger collaboration among fisheries authorities, veterinary services, laboratories, research institutions and border agencies. Hon. Arthur also urged institutions to integrate the skills developed under the programme into their work plans and budgets.

Madam Arthur acknowledged the support of the Government of the United Kingdom, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and other implementing partners.

According to her, the closure of the programme should mark Ghana’s commitment to taking ownership of its achievements and ensuring that the progress made translates into lasting improvements in aquatic animal health.

The AHSS National Lead, Dr William Adu, also called for a clear roadmap and a sustainable plan to strengthen animal health systems and maintain the programme’s gains beyond its closure.

The programme concluded with calls for continued collaboration, strategic planning and institutional commitment to build on its achievements and strengthen Ghana’s aquatic animal health systems.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD