On January 22, 2026, a high-level delegation led by Ghana's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, visited IHB. (Credit: IHB)

On January 22, 2026, a high-level delegation led by Ghana's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, visited the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The visit focused on discussions and exchanges regarding Sino-Ghana cooperation in fisheries ecological resource surveys, aquaculture technology, talent cultivation, and biosecurity system development.

IHB's deputy director XIE Shouqi welcomed the delegation. He highlighted IHB's long-term commitment to fish biodiversity research and fisheries ecological conservation in East and West Africa, underscoring the institute's extensive scientific experience and practical achievements. Moving forward, IHB expressed its willingness to deepen scientific and technological cooperation with African nations, contributing Chinese expertise and strength to promote sustainable development in the region.

Minister Emelia Arthur praised IHB's scientific work in related fields and introduced the current status and key directions of Ghana's freshwater fisheries ecology and fishery development. She noted that under Ghana's ongoing "24-Hour Economy" initiative and infrastructure development efforts, there is an urgent need to introduce advanced aquatic breeding technologies, disease prevention experience, and professional talent. She expressed hope for further deepening practical cooperation with IHB in fisheries resource surveys and aquaculture.

SU Ruili from the Office of Research and Technology Development introduced IHB's overall development, scientific research layout, and international cooperation achievements, with a special focus on the institute's progress and technical strengths in core areas such as fish resource conservation, ecological restoration projects, and aquatic genetic breeding. Through case studies, she demonstrated IHB's innovative practices and accumulated experience in aquatic biodiversity conservation and the establishment of sustainable fishery development models.

Researchers from IHB shared insights on aquaculture and fish nutrition, as well as Sino-African collaborative research efforts. Following a lively and in-depth exchange, both sides reached preliminary cooperation intentions: first, to establish talent exchange and training mechanisms to support Ghana in fisheries resource surveys and cultivate professionals for the aquaculture industry; second, to promote technological cooperation and demonstration projects for the application of aquaculture technologies in Ghana; and third, to strengthen collaboration on aquatic animal disease monitoring systems, supporting Ghana in enhancing water product quality safety and export certification capabilities.

The delegation also included the director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department of Ghana's Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the chief executive officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, and the head of Strategy and Programmes at Ghana's "24-Hour Economy" Secretariat. ZHANG Min, director of the European and African Affairs Division of the Foreign Affairs Office of Hubei Province, accompanied the delegation during the visit.

Ghana's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, visited the Museum of Hydrobiological Sciences. (Credit: IHB)