Kumasi: The Fisheries Commission, in collaboration with the Greater Kumasi Fish Farmers Cooperative Union (GKFFCU), has successfully acquired a space at the Kumasi Racecourse market to facilitate the sale of farmed fish.
According to Ghana News Agency, this initiative aims to ensure that fish farmers achieve satisfactory returns on their investments by selling farmed fish at standardized prices. Mr. Gideon Boakye, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, emphasized that this measure would prevent exploitation and enable fish farmers to receive fair compensation for their produce, ultimately allowing them to recover their investment.
Mr. Boakye highlighted that current market conditions, characterized by low and unfair pricing, often result in farmers struggling to achieve profits, which hampers their ability to expand in the aquaculture sector. He noted that fish farming holds significant profitability, but fishmongers frequently purchase fish at low prices, leaving farmers with minimal gains.
The challenges of profit marginalization have driven some fish farmers to abandon the industry for more lucrative ventures, reducing the number of active fish farmers in the region and impacting productivity. In 2024, the region produced 1,355 metric tons of farmed fish, slightly surpassing the 1,315 metric tons recorded in 2023. High fish feed costs remain another obstacle affecting production levels.
The establishment of a regulated farmed fish market, overseen by the Fisheries Commission, is expected to attract more investors and consumers, thereby enhancing productivity. Mr. Boakye expressed that the availability of such a market would encourage fish farmers to continue their investments in aquaculture, contributing to the country's food security.
The new market will ensure that only quality and healthy farmed fish are sold, equipped with all necessary standard facilities. The formation of the GKFFCU aims to unify fish farmers under a regulatory body, which will help maintain order and offer registered farmers access to various benefits.
Mr. Boakye urged other stakeholders to support the Fisheries Commission and the GKCU in their mission by establishing mini farmed fish markets in all district cities across the region.
