ASC and Ghana's Chamber of Aquaculture join forces in support of sustainable fish farming

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance responsible aquaculture practices in Ghana. The agreement, announced this week, sets out plans to support local fish farms in enhancing sustainability, transparency and market readiness.

The collaboration centres around ASC’s Improver Programme, which is intended to help farms that are not yet certified adopt better environmental, social and operational practices. According to ASC, the initiative offers a structured, gradual process for farms to upgrade their standards, ultimately with the aim of reaching ASC certification.

As part of the project, the two organisations intend to develop a local Code of Good Practices (CoGP) tailored specifically to Ghana’s fish farming sector. The proposed code would be based on the ASC Farm Standard but adapted through local consultation and science-based guidance.

Roy van Daatselaar, head of the ASC Improver Programme, described the agreement as “a game-changer for Ghana’s seafood farming future”. He said the initiative aims to “help farmers improve practices through the development of the CoGP, strengthen market opportunities, and build a future towards Ghana’s sustainable development”.

Jacob Adzikah, CEO of the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, said the programme would help local businesses access international markets that require certified aquaculture products.

“The Aquaculture Improvement Project under the Improver Programme by ASC will reshape the aquaculture scene in Ghana,” Adzikah said. “The project is a step-by-step initiative that would help farms improve their practices in areas like sustainability, food safety, and social responsibility.”

Among the key components of the partnership are improved traceability systems, which the organisations say will allow buyers and consumers to better track the origin and production methods of aquaculture products. The MoU also aims to prepare farms for potential certification in the future, which could open up access to markets where sustainability standards are increasingly demanded.

Van Daatselaar stated that the ultimate goal of the partnership is to “position Ghana as a regional leader in the Blue Foods space”.

“By developing a locally owned CoGP aligned with international standards, we can empower the sector with the tools and knowledge to improve socially and environmentally responsible operations, and prepare the industry to meet growing global demand for responsibly sourced seafood," van Daatselaar said.

“This MoU sets the foundation for collaboration, mutual support, and shared vision in strengthening Ghana’s aquaculture ecosystem, while contributing to broader global goals around food security, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods," he concluded.