Thai Union Group, one of the world’s leading seafood producers, has opened a $14 million tuna cold storage facility in Tema in the Greater Accra Region to revolutionise the local fishing industry and maximise the local fisheries resources.
The 8,000-tonne facility is fully equipped with enhanced post-harvest technology, which is critical in maintaining the quality of the fish and ensuring food safety.
It also incorporates energy-efficient technologies essential for minimising energy consumption and reducing waste.
Major investment
At the opening of the facility last Thursday (July 18), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of the Thai Union Group, Khun Thirapong Chansiri, said the storage facility was the first major investment the company had made since 2010.
He said the establishment of the facility demonstrated the company’s commitment to the fisheries sector.
“This is why we, as Thai Group, are making this investment to help improve the efficiency of the market,” he said.
Mr Chansiri said the facility leveraged the latest refrigeration technologies to extend the shelf life of fish products, reduce spoilage and enhance food safety.
Those improvements, he said, were essential for meeting both domestic and international standards, thereby increasing the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
The fisheries sector
The Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), Abdul-Aziz Ayaba Musah, noted that one of the challenges confronting the fisheries sector was high post-harvest losses due to inadequate preservation and storage facilities.
Those losses, he said, represented a major inefficiency in the supply chain and had far-reaching consequences for both fishing communities and the national economy.
The deputy minister said it also significantly reduced the quantity of fish available for consumption and the returns on investment by fishers.
He, therefore, noted that ensuring the proper storage and transportation of fish and seafood products in optimal conditions was vital for maintaining their quality, safety and market value.
Mr Musah indicated that the new facility embodied the collective commitment to excellence in food preservation and distribution.
He, therefore, commended the company for showing exemplary leadership and vision in investing in such a critical infrastructure.
He said the government, for its part, remained steadfast in its commitment to creating and maintaining a conducive environment in which the private sector could thrive.
He gave an assurance that the ministry and its agencies would continue to implement and enhance policies that support investment activities and business expansion in the fisheries sector.
“I once again commend you for your unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation. Your efforts are not only setting new standards in the industry but also inspiring other businesses to invest in advanced technologies and sustainable practices in the fisheries sector.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us recognise 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,” the deputy minister said.
Source: Graphic.com
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