The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has organized a three-day training program to enhance the skills and knowledge of fishmongers at Agbogbloshie market in the Ashiedu-Keteke Sub-Metropolitan District to equip them with essential techniques for fish handling and hygiene.
The training programme which forms part of activities under the Safe Fish Certification Licensing Scheme, being implemented in collaboration with USAID’s Feed the Future program, sought to among other things educate the fishmongers on best practices for fish preservation, storage, and overall hygiene standards to maintain the freshness and quality of their products.
The three-day program will feature interactive workshops, practical demonstrations, and informational sessions on health certificates, water quality, pest control, packaging, transportation, and record-keeping to improve their business practices and elevate standards within the fishing industry.
In an interview with the media, the Head of Public Health at the AMA, Florence Kuukyi, who outlined the objectives of the program, said the training aimed to establish a model fishing processing market in Accra to ensure the safety of post-harvest fish processing.
She expressed gratitude to USAID for the partnership and underscored the importance of collective efforts in promoting food safety and economic development in the region.
She emphasised the importance of educating market vendors on best practices and the benefits of participating in the model market initiative adding that potential advantages included increased sales, enhanced reputation, access to resources, networking opportunities, compliance with standards, improved revenue collection, and infrastructure development.
She said the training, was the second to be held this year, with plans to launch the main program by September stressing the significance of adhering to environmental and the Assembly standards within the model market framework.
She emphasised the importance of proper fish handling techniques, citing concerns over the prevalent practice of storing fish in inadequate conditions such as bowls or open containers, and drying them on pavements and added that such practices not only compromise the quality of the fish but also pose health risks to consumers.
Madam Kuukyi expressed the AMA’s commitment to supporting the livelihoods of fishmongers and promoting food safety to foster sustainable development and economic empowerment and create a conducive environment for the growth and prosperity of the local fishing sector.
Christiana Ako Mensah a participant, said the training covered various aspects, including techniques to prevent houseflies from infesting the fish, proper waste management to separate rubbish from the selling area, and regular sweeping of the premises stressing its usefulness.
“We learned valuable techniques to keep our fish clean and hygienic for consumption,” remarked one participant, highlighting the practical benefits gained from the training. “Now, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean environment and following proper hygiene practices to ensure the quality and safety of the fish we sell,” she said.
