Fisheries minister calls for personal venture building partnership to restore nationwide aquaculture centre – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The Ghanaian aquaculture sector stands at a pivotal juncture, with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) urging private sector collaboration to revitalize the Ghana National Aquaculture Centre (GNAC) in Amrahia, Greater Accra Region. During the third edition of the Aquaculture Ghana 2025 event at the World Trade Centre in Accra, Minister Emelia Arthur Subramaniam highlighted the urgent need for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to transform the GNAC into a operational hub for training, research, and sustainable fish production. This initiative aligns with national goals to enhance food security, create jobs, and position aquaculture as a cornerstone of Ghana’s export economy. By leveraging private innovation and government oversight, stakeholders aim to address challenges such as infrastructure gaps and unsustainable practices that have hindered sector growth.

Analysis

Public-Private Partnerships Drive Aquaculture Innovation
Minister Arthur’s emphasis on PPPs reflects a global trend where governments engage private enterprises to bridge gaps in public infrastructure. In aquaculture, this model fosters technological adoption, risk-sharing, and scalable solutions. For instance, private firms can invest in modern hatchery systems or climate-resilient feed production, while the state provides regulatory frameworks and land tenure.

Focus on Food Security and Employment
Aquaculture contributes over 6% of Ghana’s GDP, yet the country imports 120,000 tons of fish annually. Expanding aquaculture through PPPs could reduce this gap, particularly targeting youth employment. The GNAC’s upgraded facilities—ideal for batch processing and vocational training—could annually train 500+ technicians, as noted in the 2024 National Agricultural Policy.

Environmental and Economic Risks
Unchecked expansion risks overfishing and ecosystem imbalance. PPPs must prioritize eco-certification programs, such as the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), to ensure compliance with international standards. Economic viability hinges on cost-sharing models—for example, private investors covering 50% of operational costs in exchange for tax incentives.

Summary

Ghana’s call for PPPs to restore the GNAC underscores a strategic shift toward collaborative governance. By combining private sector agility with public oversight, the nation seeks to transform aquaculture into a sustainable engine for food security and economic growth. Key challenges—funding, regulatory clarity, and environmental stewardship—require coordinated action.

Key Points

Prioritizing Public-Private Partnerships

The GNAC’s underutilized infrastructure demands private investors capable of scaling operations. PPPs can mitigate risks through shared financial and technical responsibilities.

Leveraging Education and Training

The center’s training facilities are critical for building a skilled workforce. Partnerships should focus on vocational programs aligned with industry needs, as outlined in the Ministry’s 2025 Skills Development Agenda.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Integrating solar-powered aeration systems and feed circular economies will reduce the sector’s carbon footprint while cutting operational costs by 20%, according to FAO blueprints.

Practical Advice

For Private Investors:
1. Launch due diligence via the Fisheries Commission’s PPP portal.
2. Collaborate with NGOs like Agricultural Technology for West Africa for sustainable tech sourcing.
3. Apply for MOFAD’s Seed Capital Grant to offset initial costs.

For Institutions:
Partner with universities like the University of Cape Coast to co-develop research on native fish species breeding, a priority highlighted in the Aquaculture Ghana 2025 Strategic Report.

Points of Caution

Governance Gaps
Without transparent benefit-sharing agreements, tensions may arise. The Public Procurement Act 2009 mandates transparency, which stakeholders must enforce.

Environmental Compliance
Ignoring wetland degradation laws could lead to penalties. The Environmental Protection Agency requires environmental impact assessments (EIAs) before project approval.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s Fisheries Regulation, 2019 stipulates that PPPs must adhere to quotas set by the National Steering Committee. Private operators risk sanctions if they exceed licensed catch volumes or pollute waterways. Additionally, cross-border trade agreements (e.g., African Continental Free Trade Area) tie export eligibility to sustainability certifications, incentivizing compliance.

Conclusion

Revitalizing the GNAC through PPPs presents a blueprint for balancing economic growth with ecological resilience. Success hinges on clear legal frameworks, capacity-building programs, and continuous stakeholder engagement. As Minister Arthur aptly noted, “The future of aquaculture lies in partnerships that marry innovation with integrity.”

FAQ