GHANA – Thai Union Group, a global leader in seafood production, has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art tuna cold storage facility in Tema, Greater Accra Region.
The US$14 million investment marks the company’s first major project in Ghana since 2010. It is expected to significantly impact the local fishing industry by enhancing the preservation and quality of fisheries resources.
The newly launched 8,000-tonne facility is designed to enhance the preservation of tuna and other seafood products in Ghana. Equipped with advanced post-harvest technology, the facility is crucial in maintaining the quality of fish and ensuring food safety, meeting both domestic and international standards.
Additionally, the facility integrates energy-efficient technologies aimed at minimizing energy consumption and reducing waste.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Khun Thirapong Chansiri, CEO and President of Thai Union Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment. He noted that while the tuna industry is experiencing considerable growth, preservation methods have remained largely traditional, with limited mechanization.
The new facility, he said, is a response to the growing demand and a step towards improving market efficiency.
“The establishment of this facility stresses our commitment to the fisheries sector,” Chansiri stated. “By leveraging the latest refrigeration technologies, we aim to extend the shelf life of fish products, reduce spoilage, and enhance food safety, ultimately increasing Ghana’s competitiveness in the global market.”
Addressing post-harvest losses
The Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), Abdul-Aziz Ayaba Musah, emphasized the critical need for such infrastructure in the fisheries sector.
He pointed out that one of the persistent challenges facing the industry is the high rate of post-harvest losses due to inadequate preservation and storage facilities. These losses, he explained, not only diminish the quantity of fish available for consumption but also reduce the returns on investment for fishers, affecting the overall supply chain efficiency.
Musah commended Thai Union Group for its forward-thinking approach in addressing these challenges.
“The new facility represents a collective commitment to excellence in food preservation and distribution,” he said. “It sets a new benchmark for the industry and aligns with the national agenda to foster industrial growth, promote sustainable practices, and drive economic development.”
Government commitment to supporting the fisheries sector
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for private sector investments in the fisheries sector.
He assured that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, along with its agencies, would continue to implement and enhance policies that support investment activities and business expansion.
Musah praised the company for its leadership in pioneering advanced technologies and sustainable practices, encouraging other businesses to follow suit.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us recognize that this is just the beginning. The benefits of this facility will be felt for years to come, driving growth and development in our fisheries sector and beyond,” he concluded.
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