GHANA – Ghanian Bono Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr. Hanson Kodzo Dzamefe Jnr, has advised graduates to explore job opportunities in fish marketing, citing it as a lucrative business that could fill crucial gaps in the fishing industry’s value chain.
According to Mr. Dzamefe Jnr, the limited number of individuals involved in fish marketing and processing creates a challenge for fish farmers after harvesting, as they often lack the marketing skills to reach consumers.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing marketing in production processes and suggested the inclusion of fish marketing knowledge in tertiary institution curriculums.
In an interview, Mr. Dzamefe Jnr highlighted that students in agri-business, marketing, purchasing, and supply programs could develop an interest in fish marketing.
“If I were a businessman, I would focus on processing, adding value, and marketing, as that is where the real profit lies,” he said.
Meanwhile the Bono Regional Fisheries Commission, in collaboration with the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani, has initiated a program where students receive training on fish farming and marketing during their attachment.
This practical experience is aimed to equip students with the knowledge needed to start their own businesses, promoting economic self-reliance after graduation.
Mr. Dzamefe Jnr pointed out that fish, being a widely consumed food item, presents promising opportunities for university students.
“With expertise in the marketing aspect, graduates can establish successful businesses for their benefit and contribute to the entire industry.”
CEMLAWS raises concerns on foreign involvement in Ghana’s fisheries sector
In a related development, the Center for Maritime Law and Security (CEMLAWS) has expressed concerns about Ghanaians actively assisting foreigners to register fishing businesses.
In a policy draft titled “Enforcement of Beneficial Ownership Requirements to Curb Illegal Foreign Participation in Ghana’s Industrial Fisheries Sector,” CEMLAWS highlighted the misuse of corporate structures to conceal actual ownership.
The policy draft recommends the implementation and coordination of beneficial ownership regimes within the industrial fisheries sector to eliminate foreign involvement.
It points out that the infiltration of foreigners into Ghana’s fisheries sector is largely due to the failure to implement such a regime.
CEMLAWS has called for collaboration between the Fisheries Commission, Ghana Maritime Authority, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to institute measures revealing the beneficial ownership of the industrial sector.
The policy draft also suggests amendments to the Fisheries Regulations to include beneficial ownership information for applicants, ensuring greater scrutiny for corporate shareholders and multi-layered ownership schemes.
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