Articles by Caleb Ahinakwah

Technology

Fisheries minister calls for private sector partnership to revive national aquaculture centre

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, has called on private investors to partner government in managing the Ghana National Aquaculture Centre at Amrahia in the Greater Accra Region. Speaking at the launch of the 3rd edition of Aquaculture Ghana 2025 organised by the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana at the World Trade Centre in Accra, the Minister said the move is part of efforts to boost fish production and promote sustainable aquaculture practices across the country. “For us, we want to secure public-private partnerships. All of you here in the aquaculture space are private actors. Even if you are a small-scale farmer, it’s your business. Government has this facility—the Ghana National Aquaculture Centre at Amanya—and we’re seeking a private partner to come and run it,” Emelia Arthur stated. She explained that the facility has significant potential to serve as a national hub for aquaculture training, research, and production, but requires efficient management to operate at full capacity. “The production capacity of this place is huge. They have training facilities, fantastic infrastructure—amazing. This is going to be a great move if we manage it well,” she added, noting that government will continue to play its regulatory and oversight role while providing technical support through the Fisheries Commission. The call for collaboration aligns with the ministry’s broader agenda to attract private investment and innovation into Ghana’s aquaculture sector, which has been identified as a key driver of food security, job creation, and export growth. The Aquaculture Ghana 2025 event, now in its third edition, brings together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to discuss sustainable growth and investment opportunities in the country’s aquaculture industry.

Technology

Government to boost investment and innovation in Aquaculture — Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang says the government remains committed to strengthening Ghana’s aquaculture sector through increased investment, innovation, and stronger public-private partnerships. Speaking at the launch of the 3rd edition of Aquaculture Ghana 2025 at the World Trade Center in Accra, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the goal is to position Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture and create opportunities for young people and women entrepreneurs. “Government will continue to prioritise agriculture, especially aquaculture, to ensure there’s adequate investment, incentives, and fiscal support,” she said. “These measures are intended to unlock private investment, drive innovation, and position Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture.” The Vice President noted that the Fisheries Commission is already implementing measures to improve the sector’s resilience, including enhanced farm-level biosecurity, stronger laboratory diagnostics, and better disease surveillance and early warning systems. She emphasised that the future of aquaculture depends on collaboration between the government and the private sector, particularly in adopting technology and sustainable practices. “The future of aquaculture depends on public-private partnerships, as well as on innovation — including remote water quality monitoring to protect the environment,” she added. According to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, such partnerships will help scale up fish production, processing, and exports while promoting local consumption. She also highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting women and youth through skills training, mentorship, and access to finance. “These partnerships will create an enabling environment for youth innovators and women entrepreneurs through skills development, mentorship, and access to finance. I’m sure the women and the youth are happy to hear this,” she said. Describing aquaculture as a “development agenda and a social contract,” the Vice President urged stakeholders to use the two-day forum to deliberate on practical measures that can translate discussions into tangible outcomes. “As we deliberate over the next two days, I invite you to reflect on how to optimise productivity through efficient and sustainable practices, strengthen collaboration among government, academia, industry, and communities, and take concrete actions that move the sector forward,” she said.

Technology

Akufo-Addo was wrong not to sign anti-LGBTQ+ bill — Political scientist

A political scientist at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Zaato, has criticised former President Nana Akufo-Addo for failing to assent to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LBGTQ bill, before leaving office. According to Dr Zaato, the former President’s refusal to sign the bill into law was a major political misstep that contributed to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) poor performance in the last general elections. Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr Zaato said the President had “no business” withholding his signature from a bill that had already been passed by Parliament. “What’s wrong when he did not signing this into power? Akufo-Addo was wrong. And this — by not signing this thing — also contributed to the massive loss of the NPP in the last elections,” he stated. He added that once the bill had gone through Parliament, the President had two constitutional options — either to sign it or refer it back to the House with specific concerns. “There are two things: you identify that there are constitutional challenges, you do your part, and you stand in it. If I were the President, I would have held a huge grand affair at the South Wing of the Jubilee House,” Dr Zaato remarked. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships and related advocacy, remains one of the most contentious legislative issues in Ghana’s recent history. Dr Zaato’s comments come amid renewed controversy in Parliament after the bill’s reintroduction hit a snag when it was removed from this week’s Order Paper, with MPs trading blame over the delay.