Omanghana
Ghana and Türkiye have begun discussions aimed at establishing a bilateral cooperation framework to promote investment, technology transfer and sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
The high-level talks were held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy. They brought together Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Türkiye’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Ebubekir Gizligider.
The engagement forms part of efforts by both countries to expand their economic partnership into the blue economy, with commercial aquaculture, seafood processing and fisheries management identified as key areas of mutual interest.
Ghana is seeking Turkish expertise and direct investment to modernize its aquaculture industry. Priority areas include Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, commercial lake and marine cage farming, fingerling hatcheries and local fish-feed production.
The discussions also focused on developing modern cold-storage facilities and fish-processing centers to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the value of Ghana’s seafood products.
Such investments could improve Ghanaian seafood exports to the Turkish market while allowing Turkish businesses to use Ghana as an entry point into the wider African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Fisheries governance and maritime surveillance were also central to the talks. The proposed partnership would support the use of data-driven monitoring systems and Vessel Monitoring Systems to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing within Ghana’s exclusive economic zone.
The two countries are also considering joint scientific research programs covering fish-stock assessment, disease control and climate-resilient aquaculture practices.
Capacity-building initiatives are expected to include exchange and training opportunities for Ghanaian marine scientists, fisheries extension officers and commercial fish farmers.
At the end of the discussions, representatives of the two countries agreed to establish a Ghana-Türkiye Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Cooperation Framework.
A joint bilateral working group will be formed to draft a formal Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will provide the basis for future government-to-government programs and private-sector joint ventures in fisheries and aquaculture.
The proposed collaboration is expected to support Ghana’s efforts to increase domestic fish production, create jobs, improve food security and build a more sustainable fisheries industry.
Source: Omanghana
