Ghana Faces Looming Food Crisis

A warning has been sounded that Ghana is facing a looming food crisis, with fish production expected to drop significantly by 2030.

Professor Berchie Asiedu, Dean of the School of Natural Resources at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, has cautioned that the country’s fish demand will outweigh supply, leading to a potential food security threat.

According to Prof. Asiedu, Ghana’s fish consumption is expected to reach 888,096 tonnes by 2030, but total fish production will only constitute about 43% of the total fish requirement.

This means that the country will experience a significant shortage of fish, a staple protein source for many Ghanaians.

The professor attributes the decline in fish production to inadequate aquaculture development and poor fisheries management practices. He calls for urgent policies to accelerate aquaculture development and improve fisheries management to avert the looming crisis.

With fish being the cheapest and most consumed animal protein in Ghana, this looming crisis has serious implications for food security and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.

Professor Asiedu revealed this insight during a research update session hosted by the School of Natural Resources at the University in Sunyani.

The event, themed “Managing our Natural Resources: Academia-Industry Partnership for Sustainable National Development,” brought together experts in the field of natural resources.

The session aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between academia and industry professionals, promoting sustainable development in the region.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso