West African Artisanal Fisheries Confab In Accra

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr.. Kwabena Adjei, has assured members of the West Africa Regional Fisheries programme (WADAF) of government determination to reduce post-harvest losses to a target of 25%. This was contained in speech read for him by the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr.. Mike Akyeampong, at the beginning of a two-day seminar organised by the West African Regional Artisanal fisheries in Accra. He emphasised the need to expand the inter-regional food production to assist the economic integration of markets in the sub-region. He noted the importance to improve upon the quality of fish product marketed within the sub-region since the whole world is now putting in place measures to meet health quality requirements. The seminar is being attended by participants from Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana. Welcoming the participants, the Vice-President of WADAF, Mr.. Stan Zaatoh, said the shortfall in protein supply, noticeable in developing countries has been a source of concern to government and international bodies. He stated that it is in reaction to this situation that the European Union is assisting West Africa to tackle the task of reducing post harvest losses by 25% by the year 2000.

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