CEWEFIA Hosts Successful Central Regional Fish Fair 2026 to Promote Safe Fish, Certified Processing and Informed Consumers.
The Central Regional Fish Fair 2026, organised by CEWEFIA in collaboration with the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and Hen Mpoano, with funding from the Government of Norway, brought together traditional authorities, government officials, fish processors, traders, development partners, regulatory institutions, educational institutions and members of the public to promote food safety, sustainable fisheries and improved livelihoods across Ghana’s fisheries value chain.
Held on 9–10 October 2026 at the forecourt of Adisadel College Park in Cape Coast, the two-day event was organised under the theme, “Securing the Food Chain: Certified Processors and Informed Consumers for a Healthy Nation.” It provided a platform to raise awareness of safe fish handling, certified processing, sustainable fishing practices and informed consumer choices while creating opportunities for networking, business development and collaboration.
Opening Durbar Highlights Food Safety and Sustainable Fisheries
The fair officially opened on Friday, 9 October 2026, with an opening durbar chaired by Osabarima Dr. Kwesi Attah II, Oguaaman Hen. The ceremony brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the importance of strengthening food safety standards, reducing post-harvest losses, improving fish-processing practices and protecting marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, who attended as Guest of Honour, delivered the keynote address. She emphasised the need to reduce post-harvest losses, improve processing technologies and strengthen food safety standards to safeguard public health and improve the quality of fish products available to consumers.
The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, was represented by Mr. Ebenezer Azasu, Regional Director of Agriculture. Also contributing to the event was Mr. Emmanuel Dovlo, Central Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission. Prof. Benjamin B. Campion and Prof. Isaac Okyere were among the distinguished personalities associated with the occasion.
Speaking on behalf of CEWEFIA’s Executive Director, Mrs. Victoria C. Koomson, the organisation’s Head of Programmes, Mr. Nicolas Smith, reaffirmed CEWEFIA’s commitment to empowering women in the fisheries value chain. He highlighted the importance of equipping fish processors with relevant skills, improved processing equipment and business support to strengthen their capacity to produce safe, quality fish products.
The discussions also underscored the need for collective action to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, protect marine ecosystems and sustain the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Exhibition Showcases Innovation and Opportunities Across the Fisheries Value Chain
Following the opening ceremony, dignitaries and participants toured the exhibition, which featured organisations, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, educational institutions, equipment vendors and fish processors working to improve Ghana’s fisheries sector.
The exhibition enabled participants to learn about products, services, technologies and initiatives that support safe fish handling, hygienic processing, business development and sustainable fisheries management.
It also provided a practical platform for fish processors to showcase their products, interact with potential buyers and explore opportunities for collaboration with institutions and other actors in the fisheries value chain.
School Cooking Showcase Promotes Safe Fish Consumption
One of the major highlights of Day One was the live seafood and freshwater cooking exhibition, during which students from three participating schools demonstrated their culinary skills, creativity and knowledge of fish preparation.
The showcase promoted fish as an important source of nutrition while emphasising the need to observe food safety and hygiene standards during preparation and handling.
All three participating schools received participatory awards in recognition of their involvement and contribution to promoting safe fish consumption, culinary innovation and public awareness of the nutritional value of fish.
The programme also featured poetry recitals by local students and vibrant cultural performances by the Akomapa Group. These activities added an educational and cultural dimension to the fair, encouraging youth participation and community engagement.
Day Two Strengthens Market Connections and Public Awareness
On Saturday, 10 October 2026, the exhibition continued with a focus on consumer engagement, market access and networking among stakeholders.
Fish processors, buyers, traders, retailers, technical equipment vendors, institutions and members of the public had opportunities to interact, exchange ideas, explore partnerships and identify business opportunities.
Consumers were encouraged to purchase safe, quality fish directly from certified fish processors and to make informed choices about the fish they consume. The fair also highlighted the importance of supporting local fish-processing businesses that prioritise hygienic handling and processing practices.
By bringing processors and buyers closer together, the event helped reinforce the connection between food safety, consumer confidence, market opportunities and the sustainability of coastal livelihoods.
Advancing a Safer and More Sustainable Fisheries Sector
The Central Regional Fish Fair 2026 reinforced the importance of collaboration among government agencies, traditional authorities, development partners, regulatory institutions, fish processors, the media and the general public in strengthening Ghana’s fisheries value chain.
The event showed that securing the food chain requires more than fish availability. It also depends on responsible fishing practices, hygienic processing, appropriate technologies, effective regulation, and consumers who understand how to make safer purchasing decisions.
CEWEFIA appreciates the traditional authorities, distinguished guests, committee members, media partners, exhibitors, participating schools, fish processors, stakeholders, and members of the public whose participation and support contributed to the fair’s success.
Special appreciation goes to the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and Hen Mpoano for their collaboration and to the Government of Norway for funding the initiative.
Through initiatives such as the Central Regional Fish Fair, CEWEFIA continues to advance its commitment to improving the livelihoods of women in fisheries, promoting safe fish processing and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable fisheries sector.
Safe Seas. Safe Fish. Healthy Nation!
CEWEFIA — Unity & Progress.
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