By Dennis Peprah
Fiapre (Bono), July 23, GNA – Dr Seyramsarah B. Setufe, Head of the Department of Fisheries and Water Resources at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has urged fish farmers to use organic methods instead of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections in their ponds.
She said the use of natural plant materials, particularly bitter leaves, had proven effective in fighting bacterial infections.
“In fact, most of our natural leaves are very good, and we must also teach and encourage farmers to use them,” she said.
Dr Setufe made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a research project and stakeholder engagement organised by the UENR School of Natural Resources at Fiapre, near Sunyani.
The event, held on the theme: “Partnering Innovative Research in Natural Resources for Sustainable Development,” brought together industry players, development organisations, professional bodies and representatives of state institutions, including the Fisheries Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority.
Dr. Setufe expressed concern about the indiscriminate use of antibiotics by fish farmers to treat bacterial infections, saying many farmers directly poured antibiotics into ponds and other water bodies.
Describing the situation as alarming in the Bono Region, she urged fish farmers to regulate the use of antibiotics to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and public health.
She also called for stronger collaboration between research institutions and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to educate fish farmers on the use of organic methods to control bacterial infections in aquaculture.
In a speech read on his behalf, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of UENR, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for research, innovation and community engagement.
He said the University would continue to invest in strengthening research capacity, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and building strategic partnerships to advance knowledge and sustainable development.
Professor Daniel Akoto Sarfo, Dean of the UENR School of Natural Resources, commended the University’s unwavering support for research, innovation and academic excellence.
He said the school remained committed to producing graduates who were not only academically competent but also equipped with practical skills, ethical values and innovative thinking to contribute meaningfully to national development.
GNA
Edited by Audrey DekaluÂ
Reporter: Dennis PeprahÂ
[email protected]