Asuogyaman: The Aquahem Project, an initiative focused on promoting sustainable aquaculture ecosystem management in West Africa, recently conducted a seminar aimed at educating fish farmers about the risks associated with antibiotic use in aquaculture. Hosted by the University for Development Studies (UDS) in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, the seminar sought to foster safer practices for both human and environmental health.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is supported by funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and involves collaboration among leading universities from 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). The seminar attracted around 80 local fish farmers from Volta lakeside communities, such as Asutuare, Akuse, and Akosombo, along with key stakeholders from the Fisheries Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and academic institutions.
The event featured groundbreaking findings from a comprehensive study on antibiotic use in fish farming and discussed various challenges encountered during data collection. Dr. Emmanuel Delwin Abarike, Aquahem Team Leader from UDS, emphasized the importance of responsible fish health management and the need for collaboration among researchers, regulators, and farmers to ensure sustainable practices. He highlighted that integrating scientific research, regulatory frameworks, and practical farming techniques can help stakeholders make informed decisions to enhance fish health and overall production efficiency.
Mr. Samuel Opoku Dandi, a PhD candidate, revealed study results indicating traces of antibiotics in fish and lake sediments, raising concerns about potential human health risks and environmental quality. He warned that improper antibiotic residue management could compromise local water resources used 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, stressed the growing threats posed by antibiotic overuse, including drug resistance.
Mr. Patrick Appenteng from the Fisheries Commission in Akosombo warned participants of the risks associated with antibiotic bioaccumulation in fish, which could have long-term consequences for human health. He advised farmers to consult expert fish health officers and adopt sustainable practices to mitigate these risks.
Professor Benedicta Fosu-Mensah, the Chairperson of the event, encouraged farmers to adhere to proper antibiotic use guidelines, including a 21-day withdrawal period, to safeguard public health and maintain their business viability. The workshop concluded with a strong call for enhanced collaboration among farmers, government agencies, and research institutions to address critical challenges and advance sustainable fish farming practices on the Volta Lake.
