By 2030, many Ghanaians may face hunger and malnutrition due to a projected decline in national fish production, according to Dean of the School of Natural Resources at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Professor Berchie Asiedu.

Prof. Asiedu disclosed that the nation’s fish consumption is expected to reach 888,096 tonnes by 2030, yet the total fish production is anticipated to meet only about 43 percent of this demand.

“This clearly shows that demand for fish consumption is expected to outweigh the national supply,” Prof. Asiedu explained.

At the current growth rate, per capita fish consumption is predicted to decline from 28 kg in 2018 to 23.9 kg in 2030. Prof. Asiedu noted that while overall fish consumption would increase, individuals would be eating less fish.

Prof. Asiedu shared these insights during a research update session organized by the School of Natural Resources in Sunyani, themed “Managing our Natural Resources: Academia-Industry Partnership for Sustainable National Development,” attended by natural resources experts.

He emphasized that fish, the cheapest and most consumed animal protein (60 percent) in the country, has seen rapidly increasing demand, growing from 960,000 tonnes in 2010 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2020.

During the same period, per capita fish consumption increased from 24.2 kg to 27.9 kg at a rate of 1.6 percent per annum.

Given the gaps in production and consumption trends, Prof. Asiedu called for urgent policies to accelerate aquaculture development in the country.

He also highlighted the importance of improving fisheries management practices and exploring adaptive strategies to enhance the capacity of fishers to cope with climate change.

In a later interview, Bono Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Hanson Kodzo Dzamefe, expressed concern about the nation’s over-reliance on marine fish and called for private-sector collaboration to develop the aquaculture sector.

He noted that aquaculture has significant potential for job creation and food security, stating that the inland fishing value chain could create millions of jobs with adequate investment.

Mr. Dzamefe encouraged unemployed youth and graduates to engage in commercial fish production, noting that aquaculture remains a lucrative business that can improve livelihoods and contribute to national food security.