Nsuaem: The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs. Emelia Arthur, emphasized President John Mahama's government's dedication to the reset agenda, underscoring the significant potential of the aquaculture sector to create jobs for the youth and generate substantial foreign exchange for Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Arthur made these remarks during a visit to R and B Farms in Nsuaem, located in the Gomoa Central District of the Central Region. The Minister's visit aimed to assess the farm's operations and rally support for its continued contributions to the economy. R and B Farms, known for its catfish and tilapia farming, plays a vital role in the local aquaculture industry.
Mrs. Arthur assured the management that the collaboration between the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the government would continue to foster job creation in Gomoa Central and beyond. She expressed optimism about the food and jobs program under her Ministry, which focuses on sustaining the fisheries sector.
Since assuming office three weeks ago, Mrs. Arthur has toured multiple regions, including Volta, Oti, Eastern, Western, Greater Accra, and Central, to engage with fishing communities and assess their needs. She pledged to secure a grant for R and B Farms to support its expansion and sustain its fish farming activities.
The Minister noted a decline in fish consumption due to the depletion of marine fish stock and reiterated the government's commitment to completing and operationalizing the Anomabo Fisheries College this year. She also promised to connect R and B Farms with the college's faculty for Aquaculture studies to maximize sector benefits.
Mr. Richard Ekow Quansah, CEO of R and B Farms, highlighted the farm's mission to empower youth through job creation and outlined a five-year plan to generate at least 10 million jobs. He expressed gratitude to the government for its support but raised concerns about illegal mining threatening aquaculture due to water pollution.
To address these issues, R and B Farms plans to collaborate with state institutions and governmental agencies to train youth in illegal mining communities for alternative livelihoods. This effort aims to reduce pollution and sustain the aquaculture initiative to combat youth unemployment.
Mr. Benjamin Turkson, Operations Director of R and B Farms, shared the farm's collaborations with educational institutions like the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Cape Coast to enhance research and increase fish production. He suggested introducing aquaculture in schools to mitigate fish consumption costs for students.
Mr. Kwame Asare Obeng, MP for Gomoa Central, pledged support for R and B Farms' job creation objectives and encouraged youth engagement in economic development. He highlighted the region's potential for private sector investments and government efforts to support local investors.
