AGRICULTURE

MoFAD urged to scientifically time fishing closed season
The Deputy Mission Director of USAID, Steven E. Hendrix has urged Ghana to conduct future closed seasons during periods when fish are the most biologically active to ensure effective pawning so that the sacrifices the fisher folks make can bring great results.

Date Created : 7/9/2019 4:44:09 AM : Story Author : Dominic Shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com

Mr. Hendrix who commended Ghana for its successful first ever closed season observation said the practice needs to be continued to sustain the fishing industry and support the over 2.5 million Ghanaians who make their livelihoods from the sector.

The Deputy Mission Director of USAID who was speaking at the launch of the Class 1 Recognition Scheme for Small scale fish processors admonished the public to take the certification seriously since its development brought together various relevant stakeholders including the Ghana Standard Authority, food and Drugs Authority, the Food Research Institute, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, and local processors with technical assistance from USAID.

Women being central to these efforts, who stand to benefit most from the Class 1 Recognition Scheme, Steven E. Hendrix admonished the fish processors and traders across the value chain to embrace and adhere to the scheme to ensure that wholesome products are sold on the market.



On their part, the National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA) has thrown their weight behind the Class 1 Scheme and promised to do their best to meet the checklist in order to be part of the beneficiaries.

NAFPTA noted that through the help of the USAID under its Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) over 500 fish processors have been supported to construct the Ahotor Oven which is now the accepted smoking process to qualify for the scheme, and trainings provide to members on hygienic fish processing all geared towards equipping them to produce high quality smoked fish for consumption; adding; they will put all the skills acquired at work to meet the checklist.



Meanwhile, 13 out of 32 processors who applied to theme passed the checklist and were issued with the Class 1 Recognition Scheme.