Nungua: Mr. King Cofie Faska, a dedicated catfish farmer, has issued a call to action for fish farmers across Ghana to enhance the value of their produce by venturing into processing their fish for both local and international markets.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Faska emphasized the importance of this shift as a means to boost income, create employment opportunities, and establish Ghana's aquaculture sector as a formidable contender on the global stage. In an interview, he highlighted the limitations of merely selling fresh catfish in today's market and pointed out the untapped potential in processing catfish into products like smoked fish and sausages.
Mr. Faska noted that value-added products command higher prices both locally and internationally. With the increasing population and rising demand for convenient and ready-to-eat foods, processed fish products offer lucrative market opportunities. He observed that many consumers prefer fish that is pre-cleaned due to time constraints, suggesting that clean packaging and effective branding could significantly expand the customer base.
Furthermore, Mr. Faska appealed to government agencies, private investors, and development partners to invest in training, equipment, and funding to support fish farmers in their processing ventures. He encouraged the youth to explore the promising prospects within fish farming, highlighting its potential for employment and income generation. He pointed out that catfish farming requires relatively low start-up capital and can be conducted in limited spaces.
Mr. Faska also urged young people to leverage digital tools and social media to market their fish and fish products. Additionally, he called for increased collaboration among stakeholders within the fisheries value chain to foster a vibrant aquaculture sector in Ghana.
