November 26, 2019

Ghana's aquaculture industry calls for ban of illegal tilapia and fingerling imports

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) has been urged by the Ghana Aquaculture Stakeholders (GAS) to stop imports of tilapia and fingerlings from Southeast Asia as it comes with bacteria and viruses, reported Graphic Ghana.

GAS said the bacteria and viruses have contaminated Lake Volta, the largest artificial reservoir in the world, and are rapidly reducing the nation's reserves of fish.

Patricia Safo, founder of GAS said a GAS survey found that aquaculture facilities in Lake Volta are affected by the illegal imports, and has called for the government to quickly address this impending issue faced by the aquaculture industry.

She added that MoFAD should supply subsidised vaccines for aquaculture facilities in Lake Volta to recover, along with the establishment of a vaccination team to help farmers implement vaccines.

She also said the Attorney-General should work together with MoFAD to prosecute all parties involved with illegal activities that affect Ghana's aquaculture industry.

-  Graphic Ghana