The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has provided significant support to over 50 fish farmers and constituents in her constituency with the donation of over 1,000 catfish fingerlings, fish feed, and aquaculture cages.
The initiative, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly, is designed to bolster the aquaculture industry, enhance food security, and provide sustainable livelihoods in the community.
During the handover ceremony on November 22, Ursula Owusu emphasized that the support is part of a broader effort to improve fish stocks in Ghana, reduce dependence on dwindling marine resources, and promote aquaculture as a viable economic activity. The initiative is also geared towards creating employment opportunities, especially for young people, as part of the government’s larger strategy to promote job creation and economic empowerment.
Promoting Aquaculture for Job Creation and Food Security
In her address, the MP noted that the project aligns with the government’s vision of “Aquaculture Development for Food and Jobs,” a program aimed at scaling up the country’s fish farming industry. She expressed hope that the beneficiaries would not only be able to increase their fish production but also contribute to reducing the country’s reliance on imported fish.
“Supporting our fish farmers with the resources they need to succeed is key to ensuring we can maintain a steady and sustainable fish supply for the country. By encouraging aquaculture development, we are not just protecting marine resources, but we are also creating opportunities for young Ghanaians to become entrepreneurs in the growing fish farming industry,” Ursula Owusu said.
Training and Skills Development
The MP also stressed the importance of training and skill development in the aquaculture sector. She called on the municipal assembly and relevant institutions to provide more training opportunities for young people in the area so they could tap into the potential of aquaculture and become self-employed.
“Training is crucial to the success of any industry. If we want to ensure that these young people have the skills needed to manage fish farms successfully, we must invest in their education and provide practical training,” Owusu stated.
She also urged the government to continue supporting aquaculture development by making capital available to aspiring fish farmers. “The government is ready to support individuals and businesses in this space. With the right training, resources, and commitment, aquaculture can be a game-changer for the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.”
Vision for a Sustainable Future
Ursula Owusu also highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing practices, noting that Ghana’s marine resources are fast depleting due to overfishing and climate change. The MP pointed out that the Fisheries Ministry is making concerted efforts to protect the country’s marine life and promote sustainable practices within the fishing industry.
“Through initiatives like aquaculture development, we are addressing the issue of overfishing and ensuring that our country’s fish supply remains steady and sustainable for future generations. This is not just a short-term project—it is about creating a long-lasting, sustainable solution for the future of our fisheries and the livelihoods of our people,” she added.
Support for Education
In addition to the aquaculture initiative, Ursula Owusu, along with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ablekuma West, George Cyril, also donated over 500 desks to the Gbegbeyise Basic School in the constituency. The donation is aimed at improving the learning environment for students and enhancing the quality of education in the area.
The Education Director for Ablekuma West expressed his gratitude for the gesture, highlighting the positive impact the desks would have on both students and teachers. He praised the Member of Parliament for her continued support for education and her dedication to the development of the constituency.
A Call for Continued Support
Ursula Owusu urged the people of Ghana to continue supporting the ruling government, emphasizing that the current administration is committed to creating more jobs and opportunities for Ghanaians.
“This is just one of many initiatives aimed at empowering our people, especially the youth. By voting for the ruling government in the upcoming elections, you are voting for continued growth, employment, and a brighter future for all Ghanaians,” she concluded.
With her continued commitment to both aquaculture development and education, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful remains a key figure in the progress and empowerment of the Ablekuma West constituency.
