Accra, GHANA – On November 19, 2023, the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) collaborated with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for World Fisheries Day. To commemorate the day, GBC organized a special fisheries-themed edition of their popular ‘What Do You Know?’ quiz.
The event was held as part of the USAID-supported Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery activity, to increase the youth’s interest in the fisheries sector, highlight the important role the sector plays, and encourage the public’s participation in protecting Ghana’s fisheries and marine resources.
Four senior high schools from the four coastal regions of Ghana including the Accra Academy (Greater Accra Region), Keta Senior High School (Volta Region), Ahantaman Girls Senior High School (Western Region), and St. Augustine’s College (Central Region) participated in the competition. The program was broadcast live on Ghana Television (GTV), the national public broadcaster and watched across the country. It was also streamed on social media platforms.
St. Augustine’s College won the contest, while Accra Academy, Ahantaman Girls Senior High School, and Keta Senior High School were first, second and third runners up-respectively. The winning school was awarded trophy, and all the participating schools received cash prizes ranging from 5,000 Ghana cedis for the winner and 2,000 Ghana Cedis for the third runner up.
The U.S. is Ghana’s largest bilateral partner with over $200 million in support in the last year for agriculture, economic growth, education, governance, security, and more. USAID has worked with government officials and local stakeholders to support the implementation of directives for industrial trawlers to use sustainable fishing gear, and to help coastal communities identify solutions to help protect small scale fishing and mitigate climate change impacts.
World Fisheries Day is commemorated annually on November 21, to raise awareness about the critical role that fisheries play in providing food, livelihoods. It is also a day to highlight the importance of fisheries, promote sustainable fishing practices, and acknowledge the important role of fisherfolk and fishing communities.
Yooku Ata-Bedu for USAID/Ghana