From Bongo Soe, Story by Moses Anaba
The Chief of Bongo Soe Soboko, Naba Amaltinga Anamlebna Sebastian Saaba Daana, has described the community’s fish farming project as a major step toward creating employment and promoting sustainable development in the area.
Speaking during the community’s first successful fish harvest of 140kg under the government’s Aquaculture for Food and Jobs (AFJ) Programme, the Chief, a retired Warrant Officer, said the initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of the traditional authority, the Assembly Member, and the Fisheries Commission, with the commitment of the beneficiaries.
According to the Chief, the project was deliberately introduced to provide meaningful employment opportunities for the youth, women, and elderly members of the community while improving their livelihoods.
He explained that engaging young people in productive economic activities would help reduce unemployment, discourage them from engaging in social vices, and contribute to the overall development of Bongo Soe.
“When our youth have decent jobs and are actively engaged in productive work, they are less likely to engage in bad behavior. This project is not only creating jobs but also bringing development to our community.” Naba Amaltinga stated.
Naba Amaltinga expressed profound appreciation to the Upper East Regional Directorate of the Fisheries Commission and all community members for their commitment and support towards the success of the project.
He noted that the successful harvest demonstrates the enormous potential of aquaculture to improve food security, create employment, and increase household incomes in rural communities.
The chief further called on traditional leaders across the Upper East Region to champion similar development initiatives by partnering with government agencies and development institutions to introduce fish farming and other livelihood projects in their communities.
He stressed that such initiatives would not only tackle unemployment but also accelerate local economic growth and improve the living conditions of residents.
The fish farming project in Bongo Soe is being celebrated as a model for community-led development, with residents being hopeful that its continued expansion will create more jobs and inspire other communities to embrace aquaculture as a viable source of income and development.
The Aquaculture for Food and Jobs Programme, launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, supports communities with fish fingerlings, feed, technical training, and extension services to boost aquaculture production across the country.
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