The New Fish Storage Containers
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD), in collaboration with the Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has presented 20 artisanal insulated containers to the National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA).
Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye, Minister for MOFAD, who addressed members of the NAFPTA at a brief ceremony held at Manhean, Tema recently, indicated that the containers would be distributed to fish processing sites in the country.
The Minister mentioned some of the beneficiary communities as Tema C1 (Maame Nfante), Tema C2 (Awonga), Moree, Sekondi, Apam, Keta and Ketu in the Greater Accra, Central, Western and Volta Regions respectively.
She explained that the containers are expected to be used by the NAFPTA members to help store fish while ensuring that they (NAFPTA) supply the market with safe and quality fish for consumers.
“In an effort to help to introduce safe methods in the fish processing industry, plans are far advanced by the ministry to introduce new types of ovens that would help eliminate the practice of using chemicals to process fish and also add value to quality of fish being processed,” she added.
Mrs Quaye further reiterated the need for NAFPTA to intensify its campaign on hygienic handling of fish, adding that this is the only way to attract foreigners to buy fish and other aquatic products in the country.
Mrs Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye told BUSINESS GUIDE that reports of robbery and extortion of money from fishermen on the high seas were being investigated.
By Solomon Ofori