Cape Coast, May 27, GNA - Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister for Fisheries on Tuesday appealed to Ghanaians to venture into aquaculture to help reduce fish imports into the country.

She noted that the nation imported $200,000,000 annually to make up for the annual deficit and aquaculture could produce enough fish to offset the deficit of about 400,000 metric tons of the country's fish requirements.

Mrs Asmah made the appeal when inaugurating Central Regional Fish Farmers Association (CEREFFA) in Cape Coast. She said it was in line with that the Ministry was "aggressively pursuing" the Aquaculture Development Policy as a profitable business venture and not as a hobby.

Mrs Asmah said the policy was supported by the "stark fact and reality that the country's marine resources continued to dwindle resulting in low catch by fishermen".

She said the aquaculture industry was a very good potential therefore, the Ministry was evolving strategies to address constraints such as quality fish seed and feed, inadequate extension services and support, market and the emerging threat of security. Mrs Asmah said the Ministry was in this regard, supporting an FAO project in the Volta Basin to develop a fast growing Specie, the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) that would make fish farming commercially and economically attractive, adding that GIFT would take about four to six months to mature for harvesting. She said other strategies were that most fish farmers had been encouraged to produce quality fingerlings to supply farmers and out-growers, while the Ministry beefed up staff of the Fisheries Directorate with expertise and skills to assist fish farmers with extension services.

Mrs Asmah commended the formation of the association that would provide a platform to discuss their problems and challenges, exchange ideas and equipment.

She encouraged Ghanaians to eat more fish than meat, since fish was more nutritious and healthy and announced that the Ministry intended to establish fish farmers associations in potential districts in the country to facilitate increased fish supply. Mr Samuel Obodai, Deputy Central Regional Minister, appealed to fish farmers to form or join existing associations to enable them influence policies, readily access loans and redress to their grievances.

He urged them to adhere to advice by experts and extension service personnel to ensure the growth of their businesses. Mr Kafui Bekoe, Central Regional Director of Fisheries, appealed to Government to make available grants, machinery and other materials to farmers to increase their yield. 27 May 08