The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has sensitised more than 100 members of the Cold Store Operators Association and aquaculture farmers in the Bono Region to promote compliance with national standards and improve best practices within the sector.
According to the Bono Regional Director of the GSA, Xavier Ulla Tawiah, the exercise forms part of the Authority’s efforts to enhance food safety, quality assurance, and sustainable operations among key players in the region’s fisheries and cold chain industry.
Participants were educated on hygiene standards, health and safety protocols, and how to align their operations with GSA requirements to meet both local and international market demands.
Aquaculture farmers also received training on maximising profits and exploring export opportunities, while cold store operators were guided on maintaining product safety and proper hygiene.
Mr. Tawiah said the initiative forms part of a nationwide programme aimed at strengthening food safety systems and promoting Ghana’s export competitiveness.
The Bono Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Hanson Kodzo Dzamefe Jnr, revealed that the region currently has over 500 fish farms, in addition to several smaller ponds operated in households, a development he described as encouraging for food security and job creation.
However, he expressed concern over the rising cost of fish feed, which continues to affect productivity, and appealed for government intervention.
Meanwhile, President of the Bono Regional Fish Farmers Association, Joseph Yeboah, raised concerns about the impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on fish farming, noting that pollution of water sources used for fish production poses a serious threat to the industry.
Source: Christian Ofori Kumah
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