0 - WorldFish Center

AUG 19 1996
Post-Production Issues and Aquaculture
Development in Ghana
SAMUEL SEFA-DEDEH
JOSEPHINE NKETSIA-TABIRI
Department of Nutrition and Food Science
University of Ghana
P.O. Box 99, Legon, Ghana
SEFA-DEDEH, S. and 1. NKETSIA-TABIRI. 1996. Post-production issues and aquaculture development in
Ghana, p. 28-30. In M. Prein, J.K. Ofori and C. Lightfoot (eds.) Research for the future development of
aquaculture in Ghana. ICLARM Conf. Proc. 42, 94 p.
Abstract
An overview is presented on the preferences for food items in Ghana, with particular reference to fish.
Cost is the main factor affecting the selection of animal protein sources, of which fish is of highest prefer-
ence. Cured fish (smoked, salted, dried or fermented) is preferred over fresh or canned. Size is the least
important factor in the selection of fish and fish products.
Introduction
n Ghana, the per caput consumption
I of fish is one of the highest in Africa. In
a recent survey (Nlzetsia-Tabiri 1993), it
was found that the preference for fish is
high compared to other animal protein foods
(Fig. 1A). The fishing industry provides
employment and income to a large segment
of the Ghanaian population. Activities
involving marine and freshwater fishing
have forward and backward linkages which
malze the industry important to the country's
economy (Sefa-Dedeh et al. 1989).
Even though Ghanaians on the average
have a high preference for fish, current production
and distribution systems cannot
satisfy the demand. In addition, the perishable
nature of the commodity is such
that strategies need to be put in place to
ensure that fish and fish products are avail-
able in all parts of the country, especially
in areas far removed from water bodies.
Aquaculture and products from
aquaculture can play a significant role in
improving the nutritional status of
Ghanaians. This paper discusses some of
the post-production issues that need to
be considered in the development of
aquaculture on a sustained basis.
Selection of Fish Products
The main factors considered in the se-
lection of animal protein by Ghanaians are
cost, nutritional value and taste (Nlzetsia-
Tabiri 1993).
It is evident that the average Ghanaiar?
consumer will consider the cost of the
protein source. If commercial aquaculture
is to malze headway in Ghana, its products
28