According to Lawrencia Dwokoto, the Fisheries Office Representative for the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, the training has been a resounding success. “So far, the training is going on smoothly. The trainers are providing exceptional guidance, and the learners are highly engaged, asking all the necessary questions,” she said, emphasizing the commitment of both trainers and participants to ensuring the program's success.

The Aquaculture for Food and Jobs project is part of a broader government strategy aimed at boosting food security and reducing unemployment through sustainable fish farming practices. The initiative follows in the footsteps of the widely successful "Planting for Food and Jobs" program under the Ministry of Food Agriculture, and it seeks to replicate that success in the fisheries sector.

Richard Appiah Kubi, a key figure in the implementation of the program, provided insight into its structure and objectives. “This initiative is designed to empower beneficiaries with the knowledge and resources they need to start and sustain profitable fish farming businesses,” Kubi explained. “We are training 50 beneficiaries from each district, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

As part of the program, participants receive comprehensive training before being provided with essential materials to kick start their aquaculture ventures. These materials include a trampoline tank capable of holding up to 1,000 fish, fingerlings, feed supplies, and a mortality allowance of 1000 cedis, He added; "These resources are vital to ensuring that participants can apply what they've learned effectively, and we will continue to monitor their progress to ensure long-term success".

Dwokoto emphasized the importance of the program in addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth in the region. “This initiative not only provides individuals with the skills to start their own businesses but also creates opportunities for job creation within the community,” she noted.

Participants have responded positively to the training, with many expressing their excitement about the possibilities it opens up for them.

The program is expected to have a lasting impact on the local economy by empowering individuals to become self-sufficient and contribute to the growth of the fisheries sector. As the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs program continues to unfold, it stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods and reducing unemployment in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality and beyond.

The collaboration between the district's Fisheries Office, trainers, and enthusiastic participants highlights the program’s potential to drive meaningful change in the lives of many Ghanaians.