TEMA METROPOLITAN Assembly (TMA), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Local
Government Forum (CLGF) and the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research,
is coming out with a new fish smoking technology in Tema to promote good
health.
The improved stove for fish smoking
dubbed ‘Ahotor Oven’ is being used to replace the traditional method which was
not environmentally friendly in fish processing.
The fisheries commission has
introduced what it terms as ‘Class 1’ certificate seal’ to regulate the
wholesomeness of Ghana’s fish products to meet international standards before export.
The Class 1 seal has become
necessary owing to the health concerns raised about Ghana’s fish products on
the international market.
Felix Mensah Annan-LA, Metropolitan
Chief Executive (MCE) of Tema, disclosed this to DAILY GUIDE on the
sidelines of the Farmers’ Day celebration in Tema that report received on the
handling of fish products had compelled the assembly to act immediately to
address the situation and the ‘Ahotor Oven’ was one of the many measures being
adopted.
He said ‘Ahotor Oven’ was proving
to be energy efficient and more durable than the baseline stove that the fisherfolk
use, adding that the new technology also has improved combustion system with
less of an impact on women’s health.
Touching on the activities of
fishermen, he said that he had intervened to ensure no person engaged in
hoarding of premix fuel in the metropolis so that they would remain in good
business.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema
