Ghana charts sustainable aquaculture future with new ASC partnership

GHANA – The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana (COA) have recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets the stage for comprehensive improvements in the environmental, social, and operational performance of Ghana’s aquaculture sector. 

The collaboration, signed during the recently concluded World Aquaculture Safari 2025 conference, aims to align local practices with global sustainability benchmarks while enhancing market access for Ghanaian-farmed fish.

Central to the partnership is ASC’s Improver Programme, a structured, hands-on initiative designed to guide farms not yet ready for full certification through measurable improvements. 

The programme will support the development of a locally tailored Code of Good Practices (CoGP), adapted from ASC’s international Farm Standard, to reflect Ghana’s specific aquaculture context.

“This partnership is a game-changer for Ghana’s seafood farming future,” said Roy van Daatselaar, ASC Improver Programme Head. “We’re proud to work alongside the Chamber of Aquaculture to help farmers improve practices through the development of the CoGP, strengthen market opportunities, and build a future towards Ghana’s sustainable development.”

Jacob Adzikah, CEO of the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, echoed the optimism, saying that the Aquaculture Improvement Project under the Improver Programme by ASC will reshape the aquaculture scene in Ghana by allowing businesses to reach international markets that seek certified farmed fish, while also drawing in new investment to the country’s aquaculture industry.

Boosting traceability and market readiness

The partnership will focus on enhancing traceability and transparency within Ghana’s fish farming operations, providing consumers and buyers with clearer insight into the origins and production methods of aquaculture products. 

It also paves the way for potential certification, a key requirement for accessing high-value global seafood markets.

Key outcomes of the agreement include the development of traceability systems, enhanced transparency in production methods, and readiness for future ASC certification.

“Through this partnership, the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana and the ASC aim to position Ghana as a regional leader in the Blue Foods space,” said van Daatselaar. “By developing a locally owned CoGP aligned with international standards, we can empower the sector with the tools and knowledge to improve socially and environmentally responsible operations.”

He added that this MoU lays the foundation for collaboration, mutual support, and a shared vision in strengthening Ghana’s aquaculture ecosystem, while contributing to broader global goals of food security, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods.

The partnership marks a pivotal moment for Ghana’s aquaculture industry as it strives to scale sustainably while meeting rising global demand for responsibly sourced seafood.

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