Fisheries Minister Explores Austrian Partnership to Boost Aquaculture and Create Jobs
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has held discussions with the Austrian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jürgen Heissel, on possible areas of cooperation to expand aquaculture, strengthen fish health systems and create jobs in Ghana’s fisheries sector.
The meeting, held at the Ministry on Thursday, focused on leveraging Austria’s expertise in research, technology, water management and fish production to support Ghana’s efforts to increase domestic fish supply and improve the management of the sector.
Mrs Arthur said Ghana’s demand for fish continued to exceed domestic production, making it necessary to expand aquaculture and explore innovative ways of meeting the country’s growing needs.
She said the Ministry was working towards establishing Ghana Aquaculture Economic Zones to provide small- and medium-scale operators, particularly young people, with the infrastructure needed to set up and operate aquaculture businesses.
The initiative is expected to open up employment opportunities, encourage investment and increase local fish production.
The Minister also emphasised the need to strengthen fish-health services and laboratory capacity to ensure the early detection and effective management of fish diseases.
She said improved disease surveillance and diagnostic services were essential to protecting fish stocks, reducing losses and supporting the sustainable growth of aquaculture businesses.
Mrs Arthur expressed appreciation to the Austrian Ambassador for the engagement, noting that collaboration in research, technology and technical support could help address some of the challenges confronting the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The Austrian Ambassador, H.E. Jürgen Heissel, expressed his country’s readiness to explore practical areas where Austrian expertise could support Ghana’s development priorities, particularly in aquaculture, life sciences, water management and scientific research.
He identified existing partnerships between academic institutions in Ghana and Austria as a useful foundation for expanding joint research and training, especially in aquaculture and related fields.
Mr Heissel also expressed interest in connecting Ghana with specialised Austrian companies that could provide technology, technical expertise and investment to support the country’s aquaculture ambitions.
He said Austrian companies had expertise in areas such as alternative fish feed, fish breeding, water treatment and water management, which could complement Ghana’s efforts to increase fish production and improve efficiency in the sector.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
