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USAID/SFMP provides training centre for fish processors

Post-harvest operations as integral process in the fishing industry are very critical for a thriving fishing industry, serving as an intermediary between the fishermen and the consuming public.

Date Created : 6/20/2018 8:38:04 AM : Story Author : Dominic Shirimori/ghanadistricts.com

The players in that area therefore require some level of skills to enhance their delivery and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the fishing sector.

To this end, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under its Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission has inaugurated a new training centre for fish processors in Ghana.

Located at Kokrobite in the Ga South Municipality, the centre under the management of Development Action Association (DAA) and with a capacity to train about 300 people annually is geared towards equipping fish processors with skills in hygienic fish handling, fish processing, preservation techniques including the use of the new ahotor oven for fish smoking, business development among others. It would also produce fish products for the market.

USAID Ghana Acting Director, Economic Growth Office, James Lykos said the centre is one of their efforts to support the sustainable development of Ghana’s fisheries and coastal resources.

He charged the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to work hard in curbing the various illegal fishing practices, to solve the declining fish stocks that pose threats to Ghana’s economic and social well-being.

He also called on the MoFAD to implement the closed season as proposed in the National Fisheries Management Plan (2015-2019), adding that the combination of this with other management practices will result in increased fish stocks that will lead to improved livelihood for those engaged in the fishing business.

The sector Minister, Madam Elizabeth Afoley Quaye in commending USAID for the numerous supports towards empowering people to observe sustainable fishing practices in Ghana said the new training sector falls well in the scheme of things of the Ministry, adding that the DAA centre was designed and equipped with the technology to serve as one of the first facilities in Ghana to comply with the requirements to achieve the Class 1 certification for hygienic fish processing.

She also expressed delight that DAA has made strides in increasing the voice and influence of women fish processors beyond the post–harvest processing sector to working with fishery queen mothers in coastal communities to identify and strengthen women’s groups and works with women to develop more sustainable fisheries practices, thereby contributing to improving livelihoods, health, and food security for women.

Meanwhile, Mr. Brain Crawford, SFMP Programme Manager, admonished the handlers of the new centre to ensure sustainability of the project especially the revenue generation aspect to ensure the centre go the long hall to assist in impacting more women with safe processing practices which would be put into practice to produce for both domestic and international markets.