The 2021 best fish farmer is still waiting for his two-bedroom house prize, which the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has failed to deliver due to financial constraints.
The Ministry’s budget report for 2024 revealed that the house construction was delayed by a year-long investigation into the winner’s eligibility, which has now been cleared.
The report also expressed concern over the lack of recognition and incentives for the aquaculture sub-sector, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy, employment, foreign exchange, and food security.
The Minister, Hawa Koomson, urged the Ministry of Finance to release GH¢500,000 to complete the house project and to reinstate the housing award for future best fish farmers.
The Committee for Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs supported the Minister’s appeal and criticized the unfair treatment of the hardworking farmer.
Contributing to the Motion, the Ranking Member of the Committee, Eric Opoku lamented the situation and cautioned this should not be allowed to happen to a farmer who has toiled to put food on the tables of the Ghanaian people.
He said, “As a nation, we want to recognize his contribution; we say we are giving you an award and have told the whole world we are giving this person a two-bedroom house, in 2021.”
“We are doing the 2024 budget and we are now looking for GH¢50,000 to be able to complete the facility and hand it over to the person.”
Eric Opoku described as unacceptable the decision of the Ministry not to give awardees houses any longer.
According to him, it is a shame to promise the gallant farmers and then be unable to deliver.
He disclosed that awards for the 2023 best farmers have not yet been delivered.
He suggested the setting up of a budget line dedicated to the provision of the awards so that when somebody emerges as a winner, they will be given what is due them immediately.
