In 2009, GRID and NEA reached a milestone in their aquaculture program. Two of the ponds that had been stocked by NEA were harvested for the first time, proving that against all odds, fish can be raised in Northern Ghana!

Harvest time was an exciting community event. NEA staff and the village pond management committee conducted the harvest with most of the community watching. Teachers found it impossible to keep children in class as they didn’t want to miss seeing the harvest. People were laughing, clapping and cheering as the nets came to the shore, laden with a good catch.

One pond yielded 1600 lbs of fish; another yielded 1800 lbs. Fish were shared among the residents of the host community, who rejoiced to be able to eat so well.

The fish ponds can be harvested several times a year, which means that they will be an ongoing, sustainable source of protein for communities who would otherwise endure severe hunger.

Thank you to our supporters, and to the Canadian International Development Agency, for making this important initiative possible.

Harvesting was done with loosely woven nets that allow small fish to remain in the pond.