By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Shama
R&B Farms, in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, has launched an innovative aquaculture project aimed at converting abandoned clay and quarry pits into productive fish farms.
The initiative seeks to boost fish production, create jobs and tackle the environmental and safety risks associated with abandoned excavation sites in communities across the Western Region.
Dubbed “Komfueku-Shama Aquaculture Project”, It is expected to serve as a pilot for similar interventions in communities such as Anto and Daboase, where abandoned pits continue to pose challenges to residents.
The first phase of the project will comprise about 300 fish cages with a projected annual production capacity of 1,200 metric tonnes of fish, contributing to efforts to improve food security and reduce fish imports.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility, Operations Director and Co-founder of R&B Farms, Benjamin Turkson, said the project was designed to transform dangerous and underutilized sites into productive economic assets.
“We brought this innovative idea here by trying to convert these abandoned clay and quarry pits for fish farming. The main objective is to make use of these pits that are becoming dangerous in the community,” he said.
According to him, several children and adults have fallen into such pits over the years, making it necessary to identify sustainable ways of putting them to productive use.
Mr. Turkson noted that the project is already creating employment opportunities for local residents, with between 30 and 50 people from Komfueku currently engaged under the pilot phase.
He added that many of the recruits had no prior experience in aquaculture but have received training to participate in fish production activities.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Member of Parliament for Shama, Madam Emelia Arthur, characterized the initiative as a practical example of how innovation can transform community challenges into development opportunities.
“The Komfueku-Shama Aquaculture Project is an innovative initiative that is transforming abandoned clay and quarry pits into productive fish farms. Land that was once abandoned and underutilized is being repurposed to produce food, create jobs, generate income and strengthen local communities,” she said.
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