PROMOTION OF SEMI-INDUSTRIAIL AND COMMERCIAL AQUACULTURE: THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA FAO Regional Workshop on Rice and Aquaculture for Productivity Increase and Market Development in East Africa Kampala, Uganda 13 – 17 April, 2009 D.J.A. SACKEY AND HANNAH NYAMEKYE

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Introduction Aquaculture recently adopted in Ghana to breach deficit gap in Ghana. Aquaculture recently adopted in Ghana to breach deficit gap in Ghana. In 2004 only 68.1% of fish requirement was met through domestic production and imports. In 2004 only 68.1% of fish requirement was met through domestic production and imports. Major sp farmed is Tilapia (80%). Major sp farmed is Tilapia (80%). Minor sp are catfish and Heterotis niloticus (20%). Minor sp are catfish and Heterotis niloticus (20%). Fisheries (Aquaculture inclusive) very important sector in National Development Fisheries (Aquaculture inclusive) very important sector in National Development

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA It contributes 4.5% of total GDP (Aquaculture inclusive) and 5% of GDP in agriculture. It contributes 4.5% of total GDP (Aquaculture inclusive) and 5% of GDP in agriculture. 75% of fish harvested is consumed locally. 75% of fish harvested is consumed locally. Per capita consumption estimated at 23kg/yr. Per capita consumption estimated at 23kg/yr. Fish production from Aquaculture estimated at tonnes for 2007 worth US$9.77 million. Fish production from Aquaculture estimated at tonnes for 2007 worth US$9.77 million. Aquaculture sub sector comprises largely small- scare subsistence farmers Aquaculture sub sector comprises largely small- scare subsistence farmers Sector lacked organization to take up challenges of providing inputs such as fish seed and feed to support development of the industry. Sector lacked organization to take up challenges of providing inputs such as fish seed and feed to support development of the industry.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Commercial fish farming is a recent development in Ghana. Most commercial establishment are going in for cage culture (which is more productive). Commercial fish farming is a recent development in Ghana. Most commercial establishment are going in for cage culture (which is more productive). Several laws regulate and government the Sector. Several laws regulate and government the Sector. Government Institution responsible for Fisheries and Aquaculture policy development is Directorate of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agric. (The immediate past government created a new, separate Ministry of Fisheries) Government Institution responsible for Fisheries and Aquaculture policy development is Directorate of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agric. (The immediate past government created a new, separate Ministry of Fisheries) Water Research Institute is mandated to carry out aquaculture research Water Research Institute is mandated to carry out aquaculture research Import of farmed fish (Tilapia) is prohibited to promote the industry. Import of farmed fish (Tilapia) is prohibited to promote the industry.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA History and General Overview Fish farming started in Fish farming started in After independence in 1957 government adopted a policy to develop fishponds within all irrigation schemes in the country. 5% of the scheme for fish farms. After independence in 1957 government adopted a policy to develop fishponds within all irrigation schemes in the country. 5% of the scheme for fish farms. Between 1990 and 2007 fingerling production improved tremendously. Between 1990 and 2007 fingerling production improved tremendously. Presently a farm is totally devoted to all male- fingerlings production. Presently a farm is totally devoted to all male- fingerlings production. All male tilapia culture is becoming widespread. All male tilapia culture is becoming widespread. Fish was produced mainly from ponds but cage culture has steadily overtaken it. Fish was produced mainly from ponds but cage culture has steadily overtaken it.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA No marine or brackish water aquaculture establishment in the country. No marine or brackish water aquaculture establishment in the country. All commercial operators grow O. niloticus. All commercial operators grow O. niloticus. Small-scale farmers culture other species in addition. Small-scale farmers culture other species in addition. Number of commercial operators grew from five to more than ten in last four years. ( three of whom are women). They practice intensive fish farming. Number of commercial operators grew from five to more than ten in last four years. ( three of whom are women). They practice intensive fish farming. Feed fish with balance diet some of which they prepare. The rest of feed imported or bought from local producers. Feed fish with balance diet some of which they prepare. The rest of feed imported or bought from local producers. Currently a company is putting up a factory in the country to produce fish feed for sub regional market. Currently a company is putting up a factory in the country to produce fish feed for sub regional market.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Human Resource Human Resource More than 1,300 small scale farmers in the country who manage over 1,500 ponds across the country. More than 1,300 small scale farmers in the country who manage over 1,500 ponds across the country. Limited extension officers across the country. Universities turning out a lot of graduates in present time to breach the gap. Limited extension officers across the country. Universities turning out a lot of graduates in present time to breach the gap. Commercial farms employ close to 700 workers. Commercial farms employ close to 700 workers.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Cultured species Various species are framed by small scale farmers e.g. clarias sp, heterotis and Tilapia. Various species are framed by small scale farmers e.g. clarias sp, heterotis and Tilapia. Commercial farmers major on niloticus ( genetically improved tilapia used) G Commercial farmers major on niloticus ( genetically improved tilapia used) G Molluses, crustaceans and plant not cultured in Ghana. Molluses, crustaceans and plant not cultured in Ghana. Cultured systems Intensive, semi-intensive and extensive systems practiced. Intensive, semi-intensive and extensive systems practiced. Intensive system fast taking root. Intensive system fast taking root. Intensive (commercial farmers) produce their own fingerlings and sell surplus. Intensive (commercial farmers) produce their own fingerlings and sell surplus.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Production DOF 2007 data estimated aquaculture production at 3, tonnes worth $9.77million. DOF 2007 data estimated aquaculture production at 3, tonnes worth $9.77million. The largest farm in the country produced over 3,000 tonnes of fish in The farm sells about ten tonnes of fish a day. Its hatchery produces 200,000 fry per week. The largest farm in the country produced over 3,000 tonnes of fish in The farm sells about ten tonnes of fish a day. Its hatchery produces 200,000 fry per week.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA TRADE & MARKET Fish most important source of animal protein in Ghana. Fish most important source of animal protein in Ghana. Most important domestic markets and consumption centres are Accra, Kumasi, Tarkwa, Tema and Sekondi – Takoradi. Most important domestic markets and consumption centres are Accra, Kumasi, Tarkwa, Tema and Sekondi – Takoradi. Farmed fish products nor fish seed are exported from Ghana. Demand outweighs supply. Farmed fish products nor fish seed are exported from Ghana. Demand outweighs supply.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Contribution to Economy Contribution of aquaculture to the national economy normally concealed in contribution of fisheries. Contribution of aquaculture to the national economy normally concealed in contribution of fisheries. 10% of population involved in fishing industry. 10% of population involved in fishing industry. Most farmers consider fish farming as a major source of income. Most farmers consider fish farming as a major source of income. Processing of fish provide jobs for families. Processing of fish provide jobs for families. Ministry train gangs in pond construction and also pond management creating job for these people. Ministry train gangs in pond construction and also pond management creating job for these people.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Efforts of Research Institutions and Universities Water Research Institute (WRI) of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has demonstrated the efficacy of appropriate for the production of tilapia (O. niloticus) and mudfish (Clarias gaiepinus). Water Research Institute (WRI) of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has demonstrated the efficacy of appropriate for the production of tilapia (O. niloticus) and mudfish (Clarias gaiepinus). Genetic selection of Volta Lake stock of O. niloticus for improved growth has been carried out over two generations, so far. Genetic selection of Volta Lake stock of O. niloticus for improved growth has been carried out over two generations, so far.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Efforts of Research Institutions and Universities W.R.I. has helped in training farmers and extension officers in the basics of fish farming. W.R.I. has helped in training farmers and extension officers in the basics of fish farming. The Universities are also running undergraduate courses with a high content of aquaculture. Currently, a sizeable number of graduates are employed with the Directorate of Fisheries. The Universities are also running undergraduate courses with a high content of aquaculture. Currently, a sizeable number of graduates are employed with the Directorate of Fisheries.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Promotion and management of the sector Government has taken steps to support and accelerate aquaculture development. These include: Government has taken steps to support and accelerate aquaculture development. These include: Free extension services Free extension services Training in fish farm techniques Training in fish farm techniques Local and foreign study tour for fish farmers and staff. Local and foreign study tour for fish farmers and staff. Training of youth gangs to construct pond so as to reduce cost of pond construction. Training of youth gangs to construct pond so as to reduce cost of pond construction.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Promotion and management of the sector Strengthening organizational capacity of fish farmers through training in book keeping, group dynamics and the preparation of business plans. Strengthening organizational capacity of fish farmers through training in book keeping, group dynamics and the preparation of business plans. Fingerling production for sale to farmers. Fingerling production for sale to farmers. Strategic framework for aquaculture development was launched in 2006 to ensure orderly development of the sector. Strategic framework for aquaculture development was launched in 2006 to ensure orderly development of the sector.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Promotion and management of the sector Fisheries Policy document was also launched in 2008 Fisheries Policy document was also launched in 2008 An Aquaculture Implementation committee has been established to facilitate approvals required from several different ministries and agencies. An Aquaculture Implementation committee has been established to facilitate approvals required from several different ministries and agencies. Establishment of an aquaculture support fund was lunched in Establishment of an aquaculture support fund was lunched in There are foreign investment incentives. There are foreign investment incentives.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Promotion and management of the sector Promotion and management of the sector Ministry support fish farmers with input credit facility. Ministry support fish farmers with input credit facility. Since November 2005 over five hundred fish farmer have been trained locally. Since November 2005 over five hundred fish farmer have been trained locally. Trainees as well as non-trainees were given credit in the form of loan to construct ponds, cages or pen. They are to finish paying in three years with one grace period. Trainees as well as non-trainees were given credit in the form of loan to construct ponds, cages or pen. They are to finish paying in three years with one grace period.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Promotion and management of the sector Ministry gave two Fish Farmers Associations D6 bull dozer and a back-hoe tractor respectively on hire purchase to help construct ponds. Ministry gave two Fish Farmers Associations D6 bull dozer and a back-hoe tractor respectively on hire purchase to help construct ponds. Prohibition of farmed fish imports. Prohibition of farmed fish imports. Government has hired two veterinarians who have specialized in fish health. Government has hired two veterinarians who have specialized in fish health.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA Conclusion Ghana has adequate water, land, soil, agricultural inputs and, most importantly, indigenous fish species well suited to the development of a vibrant and productive fish farming industry. Ghana has adequate water, land, soil, agricultural inputs and, most importantly, indigenous fish species well suited to the development of a vibrant and productive fish farming industry. The government has placed a priority on the fisheries sector and the development of aquaculture is considered central. It is making efforts to train its staff, to implement appropriate and supportive policies, to encourage investment and to facilitate approval of permit.

…..THE STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA THANK YOU THANK YOU Akpe Akpe Nyεyi wala dכŋ Nyεyi wala dכŋ