The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to enhance food safety standards at Agbogbloshie Market by promoting safe fish handling practices. 

This initiative, which is part of the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity, aims to ensure that fish sold within the market is handled hygienically, reducing the risk of contamination and improving public health.

The Mayor of Accra, Hon Elizabeth Sackey who was represented by the Coordinating Director of the AMA, Douglas N.K. Annoful expressed the assembly’s full support for the project, stressing the importance of sustaining these new practices in the Agbogbloshie Market. 

He assured that the AMA would continue to work with environmental health officers and other stakeholders to maintain high standards in the markets. 

The Director of Public Health at the AMA, Florence Kuukyi disclosed that efforts were being made by the Assembly to establish a model fish market in Accra after a series of engagements with the fisherfolks.

She explained that the goal of this market would be to serve as a learning centre, attracting people from around the world to observe the good practices being implemented. 

She mentioned that several markets were identified within the region, including the Agbogbloshie market, for inspection, and after thorough inspections, the nod fell on that market, which would be activated as the model fish market. 

She highlighted the benefits this would bring, not only to the Assembly but also to the country, including social, economic, developmental, and health advantages.

The Market and Private Sector Specialist for the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity, Emmanuel Kwarteng, highlighted the importance of the collaboration. 

He said the initiative seeks to make Agbogbloshie Market a model for safe fish trading, to replicate these standards across other markets in Accra and eventually nationwide.

“Over 500 fish traders in Greater Accra have already undergone training, with inspections conducted to ensure compliance with the new standards," he added. 

Mr Kwarteng explained that the project involves capacity building for fish processors and traders, ensuring that fish is handled properly from the point of catch through processing and selling. 

He noted that this effort is essential for consumer safety, as it prevents contamination and promotes hygienic practices within the market.