U.S. and Ghana Partner to Improve Fish Standards For Food Safety and Support Increased Exports | Science & Environment

The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, has announced the Safe Fish Certification and Licensing Scheme under the theme, “Safe Fish, Better Health.” 

Under the program, fish processors will adopt a code of conduct to meet health and hygiene standards that reduces contaminants.

Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority certifies the adoption of these standards for the domestic market while the Ghana Standards Authority certifies the standards for export.

This certification fosters access to higher, value-added markets in Ghana and facilitates fish exports from Ghana to markets overseas.

USAID Economic Growth Office Director Paul Pleva noted that “We all know that fish is an important food here in Ghana.  It is also a particularly important food for pregnant women and children because it is an inexpensive and readily available source for high-quality protein.

USAID is committed to working with all of you to ensure food security and a healthy, nutritious diet for Ghanaians.”  USAID has supported the Government of Ghana in the fisheries sector since 2009, he added.

 Designed to raise awareness and promote the production and consumption of safe and hygienic fish on the domestic and African regional markets, the launch was attended by fishers, consumer groups, and government representatives from the four coastal regions. It included cooking shows with certified processed fish and an exhibition of certified fish products available for sale in local and international markets.

About USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID’s work advances an integrated approach to development.  It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.