By 2030, many Ghanaians are projected to face hunger and malnutrition due to a significant expected decline in the country’s fish production, as highlighted by Professor Berchie Asiedu, Dean of the School of Natural Resources at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).
According to Prof. Asiedu, Ghana’s fish consumption is anticipated to reach 888,096 tonnes by 2030. However, the total fish production is expected to cover only about 43% of this requirement. This imbalance suggests that the demand for fish will exceed the national supply.
At the current growth rate, the per capita fish consumption is predicted to decrease from 28 kg in 2018 to 23.9 kg in 2030. This means that although the overall consumption of fish will increase, individuals will be eating less fish on average.
Prof. Asiedu shared these insights during a research update session organized by the School of Natural Resources in Sunyani, under the theme “Managing our Natural Resources: Academia-Industry Partnership for Sustainable National Development.” The session brought together experts in natural resources.
Highlighting fish as the most affordable and widely consumed animal protein in Ghana, constituting 60% of protein intake, Prof. Asiedu underscored the rapid growth in fish demand over recent years, rising from 960,000 tonnes in 2010 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2020.
This situation underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to address the impending food security challenge, ensuring sustainable fish production and effective management of natural resources for Ghana’s future well-being.
During this period, the amount of fish each person consumed rose from 24.2 kg to 27.9 kg annually, growing by 1.6 percent yearly.
Professor Asiedu stressed the need for immediate policies to boost aquaculture in Ghana, given the disparities between fish production and consumption trends.
He also emphasized the importance of better managing fisheries and exploring ways for fishermen to adapt to climate change.
In a subsequent interview on myjoyonline.com, Hanson Kodzo Dzamefe, Bono Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, expressed concern about Ghana’s heavy reliance on marine fish. He urged collaboration with the private sector to develop the aquaculture industry.
Dzamefe highlighted aquaculture’s potential to create jobs and enhance food security. He mentioned that investing in inland fishing could generate millions of employment opportunities along the value chain.
Encouraging unemployed youth and graduates to consider commercial fish farming, Dzamefe noted that aquaculture offers a profitable venture that can improve livelihoods and support national food security efforts.
