ACCRA, Ghana – Professor Eric Nyarko, the former Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, to discuss strategic initiatives for advancing marine and fisheries education in Ghana.
During their meeting, Professor Nyarko emphasized the critical need to modernize the Regional Maritime University. He proposed adopting the model of the Korean Maritime Institute, a prominent government-funded research institute that contributes significantly to national policy formulation in maritime and fisheries affairs. He also advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Fisheries Technology Center to serve as a training hub for personnel across marine and fisheries-related disciplines.
Professor Nyarko further stressed the importance of supporting artisanal fisherfolk in their transition towards semi-industrial and industrial fishing methods, believing this shift would substantially boost the sector’s productivity and long-term sustainability.
Minister Emelia Arthur commended Professor Nyarko’s dedication to the fisheries sector. She acknowledged that the sector is often misunderstood and underscored the necessity for more structured education and training to drive its sustainable growth.
The Minister assured that the Anomabo Fisheries College, a project initiated in 2011, would soon be completed and operationalized. This institution is expected to play a pivotal role in delivering the marine training and capacity-building initiatives crucial for national development.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
