Safer fish processing, improved storage and stricter hygiene standards are emerging as priorities for Ghana’s fisheries sector, with the government pushing to cut post-harvest losses, protect consumers and improve the livelihoods of fish processors and traders.
The priorities featured prominently at the opening of the 2026 Central Regional Fish Fair at Adisadel College Park in Cape Coast on October 9, where government officials, fish processors, traders and development partners called for stronger safeguards across the fish value chain.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Emelia Arthur said fish remained central to Ghana’s nutrition, food security and livelihoods, warning that poor handling and unsafe processing practices carried economic and public health consequences.
“Every fish lost is income lost. Every unsafe fish sold puts lives at risk,” she said, adding that investments in better processing could create economic opportunities while protecting consumers.
The ministry is prioritising improved fish-smoking technology, cold-chain storage and access to financing, particularly for women who dominate fish processing and trade. These measures are intended to limit losses after fish are landed, preserve product quality and improve the earnings of businesses operating in the sector.
Food safety enforcement is another priority, with the ministry working with the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, environmental health officers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to improve sanitation at landing beaches and processing sites.
Arthur also warned against illegal and unsafe processing methods, stressing the need to protect consumers from practices that compromise fish quality.
Central Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission Emmanuel Dovlo urged processors to pursue food safety certification, describing it as an opportunity to access premium markets, improve profit margins and build consumer confidence.
Food safety certification could help processors meet market requirements, reach new buyers and secure better prices for their products. Higher processing standards would also improve consumer confidence and reduce the health risks associated with unsafe fish handling.
Meanwhile, CEWEFIA & Partners highlighted the role of technical training, modern processing equipment and business support in improving standards across the value chain. Its Head of Programmes, Nicolas Smith, speaking on behalf of Executive Director Victoria C. Koomson, said fish safety required attention from the point of capture through processing and distribution to the consumer.
Representing the Central Regional Minister, Regional Director of Agriculture Ebenezer Azasu also called for action against illegal fishing, aquatic pollution and illegal mining, warning of the threats these activities pose to marine habitats and fishing communities.
The two-day fair, running until October 10, features exhibitions by civil society organisations, regulatory agencies, financial institutions and educational institutions, alongside networking sessions connecting processors with buyers and equipment suppliers.
The event is expected to build momentum towards the World Fisheries Day celebrations scheduled for Accra on November 21, as stakeholders continue efforts to promote sustainable fishing and safer fish products.
