USAID Launches Safe Fish Certification & Licensing Scheme to Regulate Fishing Sector in Ghana

This accreditation facilitates access to higher-value markets in Ghana and facilitates Ghana's export of fish to other markets. At the event, Moses Anim, Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and Paul Pleva, Director of USAID's Economic Growth Office, spoke. "We all know that fish is a staple food in Ghana. 

"It is also an especially important food for pregnant women and children because it is a cheap and easily accessible source of high-quality protein."

"USAID is committed to working with all of you to ensure Ghanaians' food security and a healthy, nutritious diet," said Paul Pleva of USAID. It has been assisting the Ghanaian government with its fisheries efforts since 2009. Anim stated that the Certification and Licensing Scheme, which was created as a result of the 2019 pilot of the "Class One" recognition scheme, would ensure the production of safe fish and healthy seafood.

"The government has prioritized the National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA) in order to change the fortunes of women in the fisheries value chain. As a result, the Ministry backs the implementation of this scheme as a critical intervention to address food safety issues in our small-scale fish processing sector," he added.

Paul Bannerman, the Deputy Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission (FC), explained that the FC, in collaboration with the Ghana Fisheries Recoveries Activity (GFRA), would strengthen the capacity of fish processors prior to facility auditing by providing training on hygienic fish handling and good processing practises. He stated that the Commission intends to develop internal procedures for facility audits and certification requests.

Fishermen, consumer advocacy groups, and government representatives from the four coastal regions attended the event, which aimed to raise awareness and promote the production and consumption of safe and hygienic fish on local and African regional markets. There was also a display of certified fish products for sale in regional and international markets, as well as cooking demonstrations with certified processed fish.