Fisheries Minister inaugurates committee to develop academic curriculum for Anomabo Fisheries College

Madam Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, has inaugurated a Ministerial Committee to develop an academic curriculum for the Anomabo Fisheries College in the Central Region.

The Committee has been tasked to design a curriculum informed by industry needs and aligned with international best practices, ensuring that training outcomes match the practical demands of Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Speaking at the event, Madam Arthur recalled that the College, initiated in 2012 by the late President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills to enhance expertise and skills in the sector, had stalled due to financial constraints and low contractor capacity. She said President John Dramani Mahama, upon assuming office in 2025, had committed to completing critical infrastructure and operationalising the College. In line with that pledge, GH¢80 million from the Ministry of Finance has been allocated for Phase I of the project.

“In ensuring that trainees are adequately equipped to meet the challenges and harness the opportunities of the evolving industry, the Committee would review existing models of fisheries and aquaculture training institutions in Ghana and internationally,” she said.

The Committee’s core mandate includes determining an appropriate name for the College, defining its vision, mission, and values, and proposing an organisational and governance structure. It will also identify priority academic programmes—diploma, degree, certificate, and short courses—along with their learning outcomes, and develop a draft curriculum framework covering modules, course content, credit hours, and assessment methods.

Additional responsibilities include recommending staffing requirements, suggesting strategies for industry linkage, internship, and community engagement, and proposing mechanisms for quality assurance, accreditation, and continuous curriculum review. The Committee is expected to submit a final report with recommendations within two months.

Members of the Committee include Madam Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Chairperson), Mr John Quayson, Prof Benjamin Campion of the Fisheries Commission, Prof Elvis Nyarko, former Vice-Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, and Mr Eric Baah, Director of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (Secretary).

Other members are Captain William Wricketts, Prof Ernest Abano and Dr Aggrey Fynn from the University of Cape Coast, Prof George Wiafe of Edenway Foundation, Dr Angela Lamptey of the University of Ghana, Dr Andrews Apraku of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, and Dr Ayisi Larbi of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development.

Also serving are Madam Comfort Naa Komely Adjetey of the Council of State, Mr Joojo Solomon of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana, Nana Kweigyah of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association, and Madam Llona Appiah representing the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association.

Madam Arthur disclosed that Phase I of the project, which includes a two-storey classroom block, administration block, laboratory, hostel, principal’s bungalow, and staff quarters, was progressing steadily. She said the facilities were expected to be completed, furnished, and ready to admit the first intake of students and trainees by the first quarter of 2026.