Chief Director at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Marian Kpakpah, has announced that the government is introducing innovations to support the Chamber of Aquaculture’s Blue Food Innovation Hub as part of efforts to drastically reduce post-harvest losses in Ghana’s aquaculture sector.
She noted that cutting losses across the value chain is critical to boosting local fish production and reducing the country’s dependence on imports. Madam Kpakpah made the remarks at a validation workshop held in Accra.
The workshop brought together key industry players to review the draft strategy and governance framework for the Blue Food Innovation Hub initiative, designed to promote innovation, sustainability, and growth in Ghana’s aquaculture industry.
Participants assessed the draft document and recommended that the Hub prioritise inclusive development by working closely with fish farmers, offering targeted training, and encouraging the adoption of adaptive technologies.
Addressing stakeholders, the Chief Director emphasised the need for a strong, innovation-driven aquaculture value chain. She highlighted that embracing modern technologies and improving sector efficiency will be essential in building a resilient and competitive industry.
Chairman of the Chamber of Aquaculture, Dr Anim Somuah, said the Blue Food Innovation Hub holds significant potential to transform the sector and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic development.
Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Aquaculture and lead for the Blue Food Innovation Hub project, Mr. Jacob Adzikah, explained that the initiative being developed in partnership with the World Economic Forum will be the first of its kind in Africa, with Ghana set to host it.
According to him, preparations are underway for the official launch of the Hub in February 2026. “To achieve this, we must co-create the initiative with stakeholders across the blue food sector. Over the past months, we have been engaging stakeholders to secure their buy-in and to co-design a strategy, governance structure, and roadmap for the Hub,” he said.
Mr. Adzikah recalled that the first stakeholder engagement meeting took place in October, where participants collaboratively designed the draft strategy and governance framework. The validation workshop, he noted, was convened to refine and finalise those initial proposals.
He further explained that Ghana’s blue food sector, comprising marine fisheries, inland fisheries, and aquaculture, faces significant challenges, particularly in the marine and inland segments where fish stocks are rapidly depleting. Aquaculture, he said, remains the most promising alternative for meeting future demand, but the sector currently needs improved efficiency and innovation.
“To transform aquaculture, we must adopt new ways of doing things,” he said. “Through this Hub, we aim to unlock financing for the blue food sector, especially aquaculture, because access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges for industry players.”
The Blue Food Innovation Hub is expected to catalyse modernising aquaculture practices, enhancing productivity, and strengthening livelihoods across the value chain ahead of its anticipated launch in 2026.
