In Ghana, as in most coastal countries, the local supply of fish comes mainly from fishing. Even as aquaculture, considered a sustainable alternative, is progressing, its contribution to fish supply remains low.
In Ghana, Flosell Limited has entered into discussions with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture to develop large-scale sea fish production. According to a statement published on the ministry’s website on Monday, February 9, this project is announced as the first commercial operation of marine aquaculture in the country.
Specifically, it will be a matter of raising fish in marine waters using floating circular cages and hatchings. According to company leaders, this initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Norwegian partners who have global expertise and proven technologies in the sector.
If the cost of the investment is not yet known, we know that the launch of the site’s installation work is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, with a first harvest expected in the fourth quarter of 2027. The first phase of the project involves the operation of 10 marine concessions, starting with the Pramram area, in the Greater Accra region.
A turning point for the development of aquaculture in Ghana?
The introduction of aquaculture at sea represents a major development for a Ghanaian sector so far dominated by cage farming on Lake Volta and aquaculture in ponds. It offers a strategic alternative by diversifying livestock areas and reducing health risks related to the concentration of farms in freshwater, reduced exposure to human-made pollution, minimizing conflicts with other coastal activities or better control of fish parasites.
Thanks to more stable conditions and the constant renewal of marine waters, offshore systems achieve higher volumes and better productivity per breeding unit. It also paves the way for the production of marine species with higher commercial value such as salmon, sea bream or sea bass, thus making it possible to diversify the supply of fish beyond tilapia and catfish, privileged in continental aquaculture. In addition, farmed marine species are in high demand on international and regional markets, which can increase exports and therefore revenues.
Towards a production capacity building
Overall, the project announced by Flosell Limited, if it materializes, could serve as a model for other private sector investments for the development of large-scale marine aquaculture over the next few years.
« This project marks an important step towards the expansion of sustainable marine aquaculture in Ghana, the strengthening of local production capacity and the promotion of the country’s blue economy agenda, » the company said in a statement published on its website.
By diversifying its fish production system beyond conventional aquaculture, Ghana will be able to increase the contribution of aquaculture to local fish supply. The challenge will be to reduce the existing deficit between supply and demand for fishery products on the domestic market, while reducing the pressure on fish stocks.
According to data from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, aquaculture production in Ghana has almost doubled, from 52,360 tons in 2019 to 100,000 tons in 2023. Despite this progress, aquaculture currently accounts for only about 20% of total fish catches, estimated at 484,412 tonnes in 2023, the rest of the supply comes from fishing.
With an estimated annual fish consumption per capita of 24.6 kg, the former Gold Coast currently has an estimated annual fresh fish supply deficit of nearly 700,000 tonnes per year, according to official data.
source : agence ecofin
