Fisheries Minister issues ultimatum to Fujian Farms over safety and environmental breaches
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has directed Fujian Farms to implement immediate corrective measures after an inspection uncovered serious breaches of operational, environmental and safety standards.
The Minister, accompanied by the District Chief Executive for Asuogyaman, Godwin Bobobee, as well as directors and staff of the Fisheries Commission, carried out the inspection as part of routine monitoring by the Ministry.
Widespread violations at Fujian Farms
The visit, which covered both Fujian Farms and Tropo Farms, forms part of an intensified national enforcement drive to strengthen compliance and improve aquaculture production systems.
According to a statement posted on the Ministry’s Facebook page, inspectors at Fujian Farms identified multiple violations, including the absence of basic biosecurity protocols, poor sanitation across key operational areas, and inadequate waste management systems. Officials warned that these lapses pose significant risks to public health, environmental safety and the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture sector.
Further concerns included workers operating without appropriate protective gear, unhygienic fish handling and processing conditions, erosion affecting the broodstock section and water quality, and unsafe disposal of dead fish.
Four-week ultimatum
The Minister subsequently issued a four-week ultimatum for the facility to fully comply with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).
“Failure to comply will result in the closure of the facility,” she warned.
As part of immediate enforcement measures, Fujian Farms has been ordered to submit a comprehensive corrective action plan within three days and to suspend the stocking of new fingerlings until all deficiencies are addressed.
A ten-member task force has also been deployed to the site to oversee operations and ensure strict compliance, while the facility has been fined GH¢240,000 as an administrative penalty.
Tropo Farms commended
In contrast, Tropo Farms received commendation from the Minister for maintaining high operational and environmental standards. The farm was praised for its structured systems, strong biosecurity protocols, and its contribution to food security and employment.
Nationwide crackdown
The Ministry has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance and indicated that similar inspections will be extended to aquaculture facilities across the country to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and promote sustainable growth in Ghana’s fisheries sector.
