He attributed the dwindling of countrys fish resources from the marine and inland waters as well as the increasing demand for fish.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Ghana Aquaculture Association (GAA) in Accra, he said to reduce the wage bill on fish imports, the Ministry is pursuing a policy to modernise and develop aquaculture.
GAA is a grouping of fish farmers, researchers, consultants and other stakeholders in the fishing industry.
He said the Ministry has identified some major challenges facing the aquaculture industry and mapped out an effective remedial strategy to deal with them.
The challenges include inadequate quality fish seed, fish feed, credit, extension services and support, lack of marketing strategy and emergency security threat.
Mr Namoale said the Ministry is also collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to implement a project to develop fast growing species of tilapia that will take between four and six months to mature for harvesting in the Volta besides building the capacity of fish farmers to produce quality fingerlings to supply to out growers.
He assured the Association that the Ministry will work closely with them to ensure the development and management of aquaculture.
The chairman of the Fisheries Commission, Mr Mike Akyeampong, urged the members of the Association to take its activities seriously and abide by the best fishing practices in order to get the best of their efforts.
Ministry To Stem Fish Production Shortfall
GHANA - The government imports fish to the tune of two million dollars annually to make up for the shortfall in national production, Deputy Food and Agriculture Minister, Nii Amasah Namoale, has disclosed.
