Fish is the most preferred and widely consumed animal protein in Ghana, with annual per
capita consumption estimated at 26 kg compared with the global average of 20 kg. The
fisheries sector of Ghana provides livelihood support to 2.4 million people and contribute
1.5% to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Recent increase in fish production is
attributed to aquaculture and culture-based fisheries. However, the aquaculture sector is
facing a challenge of sustainability. This study was aimed at identifying and examing the
prospects of sustainable aquaculture development in Ghana using the Sunyani Fisheries Zone
as a case study. Specifically, the following questions were asked: what are the important
factors for aquaculture development for both the operational and non-operational farmer?
What are the climatological and environmental factors that pose threat to aquaculture
development? To what extent does water, human and financial resources affect the
sustainability of aquaculture development in Ghana? The methods employed for data
collection were; farm survey and interviews with aquafarmers, document analysis, and fish
farm observation. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that
market establishment, affordability of feed and funding for farmers are the important areas
for aquaculture growth. Changing weather patterns and related disasters like floods, droughts,
and erosions have negatively impacted on the industry aquaculture and, have reduced its
production and profitability. Floods, pond erosion, and poor pond effluent management do
not only impact farm economic and production but also poses an ecological threat through
non-native species introduction.