The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, Jacob Adzikah, has announced the launch of Africa’s first Blue Food Innovation Hub, aimed at transforming Ghana’s aquaculture and fisheries sector through innovation, financing, and market access.
Speaking during a media engagement in Accra, Mr. Adzikah said the initiative, scheduled to be launched on February 25, will position Ghana as a continental leader in blue food development.
Mr. Adzikah explained that the hub is being developed through collaboration with several local and international partners, including AGRA, The Hunger Project, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Farmerline, World Food Forum Ghana, and Pangaea Africa.
According to him, the collaborative approach will help unlock knowledge, innovation, markets, and finance for players in the blue food sector.
“We couldn’t do this alone. We have co-created this initiative with many partners to ensure that it delivers real impact,” he noted.
The Blue Food Innovation Hub will initially concentrate on inland aquaculture, which Mr. Adzikah described as one of the fastest-growing and most promising sectors in Ghana’s food economy.
“The blue food sector includes marine, inland, and aquaculture. But because of the promising signs in aquaculture, we decided to start with inland production,” he explained.
He said the hub will tackle persistent challenges in the sector, including limited access to finance, weak market linkages, low adoption of modern technology, inadequate skills and training, and insufficient research and development, while also serving as a major boost for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises by helping them scale up operations, improve productivity, and compete effectively in local and international markets.
Mr. Adzikah said the hub is designed to support startups and existing businesses that have struggled to scale up over the years.
“Many businesses have been operating for decades but are unable to grow. This hub will unlock opportunities for them and help them expand sustainably,” he stated.
He added that the initiative will empower young entrepreneurs, women, and persons with disabilities to build viable businesses within the blue food value chain.
The CEO also highlighted the alignment between the hub and Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda, particularly the Blue Enterprise initiative.
“With our strong partnership under the 24-hour economy, especially Blue Enterprise, we are going to unlock opportunities for SMEs in markets, innovation, knowledge, and finance,” he said.
He described the partnership as a major boost to private sector participation in aquaculture and fisheries development.
Mr. Adzikah urged journalists to play an active role in promoting the initiative and ensuring public awareness.
“The media has a very important role to play. We want you to capture the right stories and communicate them to the wider audience,” he appealed.
He stressed that greater media involvement would help build public confidence and attract investors and stakeholders to the sector.
“Together, we can transform the blue food sector and create sustainable livelihoods for our people,” he added.
The Blue Food Innovation Hub is designed as a national platform to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in fisheries and aquaculture. It will serve as a one-stop centre for capacity building, technology transfer, financing, and market access for industry players.
The initiative is expected to strengthen food security, create jobs, and enhance Ghana’s contribution to sustainable ocean and freshwater economies.
