Delay in budget allocation leaves 2021 “Best Fish Farmer’s” two-bedroom house prize in limbo

The two-bedroom house awarded to the ‘Best Fish Farmer’ of 2021 remains incomplete, with construction stalled due to delays in the release of budgetary allocations.

Eric Opoku, the ranking member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs committee, has brought attention to the situation, shedding light on the bureaucratic hurdles that have hindered the realization of the promised reward.

Mr. Opoku expressed his concern during discussions on the approval of the GH¢298,772,253 Budget Estimate for fisheries and aquaculture development, emphasizing the poor handling of the situation by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The Asunafo South MP disclosed that, even after two years, the awarded house has not materialized, leaving the 2021 Best Fish Farmer in a state of uncertainty.

According to him, the Ministry has communicated that an additional GH¢500,000 is required to complete the house. Furthermore, he revealed that the Ministry has abandoned the decision to award a house to the Best Fish Farmer due to financial constraints.

Expressing his disappointment, Mr. Opoku emphasized the need for a dedicated budget line for such awards in the future. He argued that the government should take responsibility for its promises, cautioning that the credibility of politicians could be compromised if actions are not aligned with announcements.

In response to the concerns raised, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, clarified that the delay was not a deliberate action but attributed it to challenges that took almost eight months to rectify.

She assured that steps are being taken to address the issues and ensure the completion of the awarded house for the deserving fish farmer.