By Sarah Baafi
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in partnership with R&B Farms, has launched the Komfueku–Shama Aquaculture Project in the Shama District of the Western Region, marking a significant step towards boosting fish production, creating jobs, and rehabilitating degraded land.
The initiative seeks to transform abandoned clay and quarry pits, which have long posed environmental and safety challenges to communities, into productive fish farming sites. Authorities say the project will help increase domestic fish supply, reduce pressure on marine fish stocks, and provide sustainable employment opportunities for local residents, particularly women and youth.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Member of Parliament for Shama, Emelia Arthur, described the project as a practical example of how innovation can turn underutilized land into valuable economic assets.
“This is a practical demonstration of how innovation can transform underutilized land into productive economic assets that support food production, create jobs, and strengthen local communities,” she stated.
According to the Minister, the project aligns with the government’s job creation agenda, the 24-hour economy policy, and Ghana’s broader Blue Economy strategy aimed at promoting sustainable use of aquatic resources.
The initiative has received strong backing from regional and local authorities. A statement delivered on behalf of the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, described the project as a major milestone in sustainable aquaculture and environmental stewardship, expressing confidence that it could serve as a model for replication across the country.
District Chief Executive for Shama, Otis Dentu, assured stakeholders of the Assembly’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure the project’s success.
Director of Operations at R&B Farms, Benjamin Turkson, said the initiative goes beyond fish production and represents a broader vision for rural development and environmental restoration.
“This is a model for rural transformation and environmental rehabilitation,” he noted.
As operations commence at Komfueku, stakeholders are optimistic that the project will not only strengthen food security in the Shama District but also provide a blueprint for sustainable aquaculture and environmental reclamation across Ghana.
