The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission have held a closure workshop for the Ghana Fish for Development (FfD) Programme at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, marking the end of a major Ghana-Norway cooperation initiative that has reshaped the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Launched in 2019, the programme has supported improvements in fisheries governance, institutional capacity, scientific research, monitoring systems, and innovation across the value chain.

Over its implementation period, it contributed to enhanced fisheries data collection and stock assessment capabilities, strengthened aquaculture development and fish health research, and promoted the use of sustainable, locally produced fish feed alternatives.

It also expanded opportunities for women within the fisheries value chain, reflecting a stronger focus on inclusivity and sector-wide development.

Speaking at the workshop, the Chief Director, Dr. Zachariah Afisah, expressed appreciation to the Government of Norway, NORAD, and all partner institutions for their sustained support, noting that the collaboration had significantly strengthened human capital development, research output, and institutional systems within the sector.

The Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Dr. John Mikal Kvistad, commended both Ghanaian and Norwegian partners for their commitment throughout the programme’s implementation.

He highlighted trust, accountability, and shared responsibility as key factors behind the programme’s success, describing its impact as transformative—particularly in empowering women and laying a foundation for future cooperation in ocean governance and sustainable fisheries management.

The Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Prof. Benjamin Campion, also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders and development partners, stressing that the programme’s outcomes provide a solid base for advancing sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture growth, and institutional resilience. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining the gains and deepening collaboration under future initiatives, including the emerging Oceans for Development agenda.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from government, academia, industry associations, and development partners, including the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), the Ghana Aquaculture Association (GAA), the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA), the Global Fisheries Resilience Alliance (GFRA), and representatives of the Royal Norwegian Embassy and NORAD.

As the programme formally concludes, stakeholders say its legacy will remain in strengthened institutions, improved systems, enhanced scientific capacity, and long-term partnerships aimed at supporting the sustainable development of Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.