Sunyani: Mr Hanson Kodzo Dzamefe Jnr, the Bono Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, has urged the government to subsidize feeds, essential logistics, and inputs to bolster the nation’s aquaculture sector. He emphasized that reducing costs would enable the industry to thrive, subsequently boosting fish production, which could lead to a decrease in fish prices and an increase in local consumption.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dzamefe Jnr expressed concerns about the high cost of feed, which is making the aquaculture sector less attractive and reducing farmers’ production. He stressed that government intervention in the form of subsidies would significantly alleviate the financial burden on farmers, providing them with much-needed relief.
Mr Dzamefe Jnr also highlighted plans to enhance extension services by using electronic platforms to offer fish farmers convenient access to technical support, ultimately aiming to improve their production. Moreover, he announced the implementation of a biosecurity management scheme to ensure aquaculture facilities obtain necessary permits for better regulation of the sector.
‘These measures are critical for regulating the sector and guaranteeing that the fish produced are of high quality, free from diseases, and safe for human consumption,’ he stated. He added that such initiatives would help farmers secure premium prices for their produce.
Mr Dzamefe Jnr explained that the region’s commission has deployed veterinary fish health officers who are specially trained to oversee the implementation of the biosecurity plans, further ensuring the sector’s sustainability and quality control.
