By Giulia Zane (IWMI), Sarah Appiah (IWMI), Marie-Charlotte Buisson (IWMI), Lawrence Ahiah (Fisheries Commission), Emmanuel Mensah (Water Research Institute – CSIR), and Ruby Asmah (Water Research Institute – CSIR)
In Ghana’s North-East Region, an innovative aquaculture pilot initiative is transforming local communities by creating new livelihood opportunities. Led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI) and the Fisheries Commission (FC) of Ghana, this initiative is taking place in four community small reservoirs: Langbinsi, Nalerigu, Nansoni, and Tombu.
The completion of the first cycle of the aquaculture pilot marks a significant milestone for the participating youth groups, comprising both men and women in these four communities. Now, they are harvesting and selling the fish, with plans to reinvest the proceeds in the next cycle. As Florence Nbire, a beneficiary from the Nalerigu Group, explained, “The initiative is giving the youth in this community, particularly those of us who are not employed, a means of livelihood. With the money we make as a group, we plan to reinvest in the next cycle.”
Back in May 2024, IWMI, CSIR Water Research Institute, the Fisheries Commission and the Nansoni community came together to celebrate the successful fish harvest. The District Chief Executive (DCE), of Chereponi District, Hon. Hajia Zuweira praised the initiative’s innovative approach and its impact on the community. “Before this pilot, the communities had these dams but were not using them for any economic purposes. Aquaculture has the potential to create jobs for the youth and the women and improve nutrition for the community,” remarked the DCE. The event was a vibrant cultural celebration featuring traditional dances and the delightful aroma of freshly grilled tilapia prepared by a local chef.
The success of the pilot has caught the attention of various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), which is now planning to expand the initiative across all 5 regions of Northern Ghana. The Ministry will also scale up the project by adding more cages to the existing sites, ensuring increased capacity and long-term sustainability.
IWMI is also utilizing satellite data to identify additional dams suitable for aquaculture in northern Ghana. This data, shared with key institutions like the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), will be crucial in selecting new sites for the project’s expansion, further amplifying its reach and impact.
In a region where opportunities for economic advancement are scarce, the introduction of aquaculture is turning local dams into sources of growth and development. By utilizing aquaculture, the initiative not only boosts economic prospects but also fosters community resilience and pride. As the project grows, it continues to demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainable development to the people of northern Ghana.