Transforming Aquaculture in Ghana with Innovative Technology
In Ghana, fish is a staple food that finds its way into almost every household. The aquaculture sector is vital for the country’s food security, yet despite producing over 89,000 metric tonnes of fish in 2023—primarily tilapia and catfish—the nation still imports more than 60 percent of the fish it consumes. This gap highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to boost local production and reduce dependency on imports.
Aquamet Technologies, a Ghanaian aquatech start-up, is stepping up to meet this challenge. Supported by the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), the company is working to strengthen national food security by providing tools and resources to smallholder fish farmers who face various challenges such as poor water quality, disease outbreaks, and high feed costs.
Smart Solutions for Sustainable Fish Farming
Aquamet’s mission is to bridge supply chain gaps by offering cutting-edge but affordable technology tailored to the specific needs of local fish farmers. One of their key innovations is a smart water quality probe that continuously monitors essential parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels. Unlike traditional methods, this device sends real-time alerts via SMS and a mobile app, enabling farmers—especially those in remote areas—to respond quickly to changes in water conditions and prevent fish losses.
Since its launch, Aquamet has made a significant impact, supporting over 145 farmers across the Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, and Greater Accra Regions. As Ghana aims to produce 200,000 metric tonnes of farmed fish by 2030, Aquamet is emerging as a key player in achieving this goal and advancing the country’s blue economy.
Comprehensive Tools for Better Farm Management
Beyond hardware innovations, Aquamet offers a comprehensive farm management app designed to enhance productivity and efficiency. The app includes features such as a feeding estimator, robust inventory tools, digital record keeping, and on-demand expert support. These tools help farmers reduce feed waste and fish mortality by up to 25 percent while improving overall operational efficiency.
Frank Owusu, co-founder of Aquamet Technologies, emphasizes the importance of locally developed solutions. “With Aquamet, solutions are locally built, farmer-tested and focused on empowering the next generation of aquaculture entrepreneurs across Africa,” he states.
Expanding Impact Across Africa
Looking ahead, Aquamet Technologies has ambitious plans to reach over 100,000 fish farmers across the continent within the next decade. This expansion is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable food systems and improve rural livelihoods. By equipping farmers with advanced tools and knowledge, Aquamet is not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous aquaculture industry in Africa.
The success of Aquamet Technologies serves as a model for how technology can be harnessed to support smallholder farmers and drive sustainable development. As the company continues to grow, its impact on the aquaculture sector and the broader economy is likely to expand, bringing new opportunities and benefits to communities across the region.
