Close to seventy (70) young individuals in the Awutu Senya East Municipality, Central Region have received tapolins, 5,000 fingerlings and a package of fish feed estimated at 38,500 cedis, from the government to kickstart their fish farming businesses.
The beneficiaries received this gesture, after undergoing an intensive two-day training in aquaculture organised by the minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
The Aquaculture for Food and Jobs Programme which was unveiled by President Akufo-Addo in August, is part of the government’s broader commitment to sustainable development, food security, and job creation.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of seafood, promoting fish farming as a sustainable means to reduce reliance on imports.
Speaking to the media after distributing the first batch of fingerlings and fish feed to the beneficiaries, Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, highlighted the government’s commitment to boosting the aquaculture sector.
She emphasized that encouraging fish farming is crucial for meeting the country’s seafood demand.
“For government to bridge the gap of demand and supply of seafood, we need to encourage fish farming to complement governments effort “.
“So that the government would be able to reduce the importation of seafood,” the Minister re-emphasised.
The Minister, who also represents the Awutu Senya East constituency, urged the youth to take full advantage of the programme, which is designed to enhance their future prospects through sustainable fish farming practices.