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Ghana Steps Up Aquatic Animal Health with FAO Support

By: COA Comms. Team | January 20, 2024

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A farmer in sorghum fields
Ghanaian fisheries commission officials and a few stakeholders

Koforidua, Ghana – The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has embarked on a crucial initiative to bolster aquatic animal health. A recent workshop brought together key stakeholders from the aquaculture sector, including the Chamber of Aquaculture, which expressed enthusiasm for their participation, to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment and identify key challenges and opportunities.

Facilitated by the Fisheries Commission, the workshop aimed to pave the way for the development of a robust National Aquatic Animal Health Strategy (NAAHS). This strategy will play a pivotal role in enhancing the sector's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to disease outbreaks.

"This workshop marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen aquatic animal health in Ghana," emphasized Mrs. Mary Nkansah from the Fisheries Commission. "By conducting a thorough self-assessment, we can tailor our strategies to address the specific needs and challenges facing our aquaculture sector."

NAAHS
The workshop involved a diverse group of participants, including government officials, fish health experts, and industry representatives. Utilizing FAO's assessment tools, they analyzed the current state of aquatic animal health in Ghana, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

The NAAHS will be instrumental in improving the livelihoods of fish farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture sector. By proactively addressing aquatic animal health concerns, Ghana aims to safeguard its valuable aquatic resources and contribute to food security and economic growth.

NAAHS