From 13 to 20 January 2026, Tomáš Policar, Dean of the (FFPW USB), and Václav Nebeský visited the Republic of Ghana. The main objective of the trip was to establish new contacts and expand cooperation in the fields of freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, and water protection in a country with significant development potential in these areas. The programme included a wide range of expert meetings, lectures, and practical demonstrations.
Meeting with the Fisheries Commission
At the beginning of the visit, a meeting was held with the Fisheries Commission of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFA). Discussions focused primarily on opportunities for cooperation between the Czech Republic and Ghana in the field of modern freshwater aquaculture. Topics included the farming of African catfish and its hybrids, the introduction of new promising species such as African arowana (Heterotis niloticus), the use of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and multitrophic production systems, as well as support for the education and training of fish farmers and university students.
Meeting at the Czech Embassy
The programme also included a visit to the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Accra. During a meeting with the Czech Ambassador Pavel Bílek, Consul Michal Korecký, and Beata Matusikova, Head of the Trade and Economic Section, discussions focused on further development of cooperation and on the role of the embassy in supporting projects in education, research, and the development of fisheries and aquaculture in Ghana.
University Cooperation and Meetings with Students
Another part of the visit took place in central Ghana, specifically at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi and the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani. At both universities, meetings were held with students and academic staff, attended by approximately 200 participants. The activities of the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia, and the CENAKVA research centre were presented. Discussions focused on opportunities for joint research projects and on the participation of Ghanaian students in master’s and doctoral programmes in the Czech Republic.
Practical Demonstration of Fish Reproduction
A highlight of the professional programme was a practical demonstration of artificial reproduction of the African catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis). Together with local experts, discussions were held on improving reproductive techniques under local conditions and on further diversifying Ghanaian aquaculture, including the future potential for artificial propagation and farming of African arowana.
Acknowledgements
Throughout the visit, expert and organisational support was provided by MSc. Nathaniel Adjei Gyasi, a prospective PhD student at the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia, and Dr. Kojo Kwakye Ofori-Amanfo from CzechGlobe – Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Both are gratefully acknowledged for their excellent organisation and for ensuring the smooth course of the entire visit.
Text: Václav Nebeský and Tomáš Policar
