Fish farmers in Ghana have suffered significant financial losses as a result of the Akosombo Dam Spillage. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Aquaculture, Jacob Adzikah, the total loss incurred by the affected farmers amounts to about GH¢54 million.
Despite engaging with the government at various levels for support, the farmers have not received any assistance so far. This lack of support has left many farmers struggling to recover from the spillage on their own. Mr. Adzikah emphasized the need for collaborative efforts with stakeholders to bring attention to the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry.
Speaking at the Farmed Blue Food Festival, Mr. Adzikah highlighted the devastating impact of the spillage on Ghana’s cage fish farmers. Many farms have been forced to shut down, leading to unemployment among the workers who relied on these farms for their livelihoods.
The aquaculture industry plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economy, and there is a growing demand for transparency and information on the products being offered to consumers. This was the motivation behind the organization of the Farmed Blue Food Festival under the Blue Food Partnership Ghana Initiative.
Karen Demavivas, the overall Lead of the Blue Food Partnership from the World Economic Forum, emphasized the importance of government support for creating a more productive and resilient aquaculture sector in Ghana. The festival was sponsored by the Blue Food Partnership Ghana Initiative, with technical support from FUTUREFISH.
The plea for assistance for the affected fish farmers continues, as they face ongoing challenges in recovering from the Akosombo Dam Spillage. The collective efforts of both the government and stakeholders are crucial in providing the necessary support to ensure the sustainability and growth of the aquaculture industry in Ghana.
