By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor in Monrovia
A Ghanaian scientist, Dr. Berchie Asiedu, who is visiting Liberia, is urging the President George Weah to focus on investing in fisheries and aquacultural activities. Dr. Berchie Asiedu’s research interests lies in fisheries, aquaculture, fisheries management, fish and crustacean biodiversity, aquaculture development & policy, aquaculture marketing, socio-economics, value chain analysis, post-harvest in fisheries, poverty analysis and climate change.
Dr. Asiedu spoke at a two-day international workshop in Fishery Management with emphasis on Fish Quality Control and Assurance held at the Mesurado Pier of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority on the Bushrod Island. The workshop concluded with a recommendation to the government and private investors to invest largely in the fishery sector for speedy growth and development.
Speaking at the close of the workshop over the weekend in Monrovia, the chief facilitator, Ghanaian Fishery Scientist Asiedu said there exist huge opportunity for investment in Liberia’s fishery sector.
According to a press release issued, Dr. Asiedu said that global fish production has grown significantly in the last few decades. According to him, the government of Liberia and private investors should see reason to invest in the fishery sector. He added that increased investment in the sector could largely lead to job opportunities and huge exportation of fish into Europe and other parts of the world.
The Ghanaian lecturer disclosed that Egypt is currently the leading aquaculture investor among other African countries. According to him, given the huge fishery resources in Liberia as compare to other African countries, there is a compelling need for government and private sector Investors to utilize the fishery sector with the aim of contributing to economic growth.
The Workshop brought together several employees including top managers of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, as well as other stakeholders in the fishery sector.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority is an autonomous agency of government that is charged with the responsibility of managing and developing Liberia’s fishery resources. The entity works to promote the development of Liberia fisheries sector, a balance and Healthier Eco-system, Food safety, Security, and Nutrition, as well as Economic Growth, Social Development, Good Governance and Value Added.
