(Ecofin Agency) - The government of Ghana has launched the construction of a National Aquaculture center. The foundation stone was laid on December 10 by Mavis Hawa Koomson (pictured), Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, at Amrahia Estate in the Greater Accra Region.

Valued at $ 9.8 million, this project, which also includes a commercial fish farm, is scheduled to last 24 months. Under this program, the government will train and equip 300 entrepreneurs in the aquaculture sector over the next 5 years. Fish provides more than half of the country's animal protein.

Ghana relies on imports for 45% of its fish consumption needs, estimated at more than 750,000 tons per year. The aquaculture segment contributes about 12% of the country's total fish production with about 50,000 tons per year. The main species farmed are tilapia and catfish.

As a reminder, Ghana has the highest annual level of fish consumption per capita in ECOWAS. This is more than 26 kg according to official data.