| Fish farming in Ghana began in the 1950s with the establishment of fish ponds in the Northern Region of the country by the Fisheries Department. Efforts by government since then to promote it as a viable industry has failed or seen little progress and production has generally remained low. Contribution of aquaculture to total domestic fish production is about 1 percent of inland fish production which accounts for 20 percent of domestic fish supply with the marine sector making up the remaining 80 percent. The poor performance of fish farming in Ghana have been attributed to lack of technical support for the farmers in pond siting, design and management, high cost of pond construction, lack of seed and feed, lack of harvesting strategies, marketing and processing, lack of good understanding of the existing human, social and cultural factors and a high breakeven point making marketing of farm-raised fish difficult.
Ghana is estimated to have over 50,000 ha in brackish and freshwater environments for pond-based aquaculture as well as vast areas of medium sized reservoirs and the Volta Lake with numerous embayments which can offer excellent opportunities for cage culture. With a continuous decline in volume and catch-per-unit effort of both inland and marine fish supply, and a fish supply deficit since 1980, on average of, 41 percent per annum, the government of Ghana is pressing on with the need for increased development of aquaculture in the country to make up for the shortfall in domestic fish supply. Aquaculture unlike most agriculture requires a great need for practical scientific knowledge, economic and profitability studies, and knowledge of potential areas for site selection, development and expansion.
The objectives of this study are:
-To identify areas which are economically environmentally suitable for ponds and cages for fish farming
-To determine the viability and economic impacts of aquaculture operations at different production levels
-To assess the size and nature of markets and trade for aquaculture products
-To outline strategies for sustainable aquaculture development in Ghana
The study was carried out in two phases. The first involved collection of secondary data (listed below) for use in the identification of the high potential aquaculture areas in Ghana via GIS. Secondary data collected in the first phase include:
-existing hydrological, physical and chemical data on water resources (rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater) rainfall and run-off figures across the country
-soil type, texture and topography
-landuse activities
-locations of existing aquaculture projects
-Potential market ( based on population density)
-inputs (feed, manure and fingerling sources)
-infrastructure (road and rail network)
The second phase involved an evaluation of the economic performance of existing fish farms at different levels of production and farming systems, a survey of existing markets and trade for tilapia, and consumer preferences. The study used both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative techniques (surveys, interviews, focus groups) were used to gather data for the economic impact analyses which was estimated using an input – output model. Economic viability indicators determined were the internal rate of return, net present value and the cost-benefit ratio. The consumer preferences were assessed in relation to their ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.
Expected Outputs:
-Areas of high aquaculture potential and type of culture systems (small scale or commercial, pond or cage) most suitable identified and outlined
-Outline of viable aquaculture production option for specific locations
-Estimation of the market potential and consumer preference for aquaculture products
-Guidelines for sustainable development of aquaculture including sound environmental practices. | 
