Accra: Irregular supply of required fish has emerged as a significant challenge for fish processors in Ghana, impacting production capabilities and market expansion.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Mabel Ibidun Quarshie, Chief Executive Officer of Acquatic Foods Limited, expressed concerns over the inconsistencies in obtaining the necessary aquatic fish, particularly catfish, for processing into various products.

Fish consumption in Ghana is notably high, with statistics from the Ghana Statistical Services indicating an average annual intake of 20 to 25 kilograms per person, surpassing the global average. The fisheries and aquaculture sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, providing direct and indirect employment and contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2021, aquaculture production reached nearly 133 metric tonnes, with tilapia and catfish being the dominant species.

Despite the growth in aquaculture production, Mrs. Quarshie highlighted the difficulty in sourcing big catfish required for her processing needs. Unlike traditional smoking methods used by many women processors, she transforms tilapia into products like fish crackers, fish sausage, and kobi variants, while catfish are processed into fish jerky. The challenge lies in obtaining large enough catfish for filleting, as most farmers opt to sell smaller fish to minimize costs.

Mrs. Quarshie explained the predicament further, noting that while tilapia is readily available, obtaining suitable catfish sizes is arduous. Farmers tend to sell catfish weighing between 600 to 800 grams, avoiding the cost of growing them larger. This results in an inconsistent supply, as farmers often sell out their stock before replenishing it, forcing processors to seek new sources frequently.

Apart from supply issues, Mrs. Quarshie faces hurdles in introducing novel products like fish jerky and fish sausage to the Ghanaian market. Educating consumers about these new offerings involves extensive sampling and convincing them of their quality. Additionally, technical challenges in processing fish into sausages without prior expertise posed initial difficulties.

Despite these obstacles, Mrs. Quarshie remains optimistic and encourages micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) to explore untapped areas. She emphasizes the importance of research and persistence in overcoming challenges, citing her own experience with regulatory bodies like the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) as relatively smooth due to thorough preparation.

The story of Acquatic Foods Limited reflects broader sector-specific and general challenges faced by small-scale businesses in Ghana, highlighting the need for innovation and resilience in the face of adversity.