The AOR of the Women Shellfishers and Food Security (WSFS) Project and Biodiversity Advisor at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Daniel Hicks, and an entourage from the USAID Bureau for Africa accompanied by a delegation from USAID Ghana, payed a working visit to the WSFS Project sites in Ghana from February 17th to 23rd, 2024. The aim was to familiarise with the on-ground implementation of the project and learn of the impacts on women shellfishes and their livelihoods. The delegation visited Narkwa Oyster Harvesters Association (NOHA) at Ekumfi Narkwa in the Central Region. They were warmly welcomed at a mini durbar organised by NOHA, with support from the West Africa Shellfish Hub.

Professor Denis Aheto, Director of the Centre for Coastal Management (Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience) at UCC, where the West Africa Shellfish Hub is hosted, in addressing the gathering commended USAID for its continuous support for sustainable fisheries in Ghana. WSFS Project AOR, Daniel Hicks, in his speech, also praised NOHA's commitment to oyster fishery management and mangrove conservation in the Narkwa lagoon. Dr. Okyere, the UCC WSFS Project Coordinator, highlighted some of the project’s milestones, whiles Dr. Beatrice Obiri of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, who is a representative of the World Agroforestry (ICRAF), talked shared insights on measures being taken to integrate other landscape food systems into shellfish livelihoods. NOHA members shared insights from trainings they have received towards oyster and mangrove co-management.

The delegation also observed oyster harvesting and processing techniques and visited some landscape food crop demonstration farms. On Monday February 19, the visiting delegation observed the Project’s progress presentations and discussions at the DAA Fisheries Training Center. The presentations and discussions highlighted WSFS approaches and achievements. Mrs Lydia Sassu outlined DAA and DOPA's activities for the implementation of oyster and mangrove co-management at Densu estuary. Dr. Okyere, on the other hand, highlighted UCC’s site-based and the West Africa Shellfish Hub activities, while Dr. Beatrice Obiri provided insights into ICRAF's work.

At the end of the presentations and discussions, Dan commended all partners for their hard work towards the success of the WSFS project. During a field trip to the Densu Estuary, on Friday, February 23, the delegation observed mangrove and oyster restoration efforts and participated in planting activities. Daniel Hicks praised the conservation efforts and encouraged continued collaboration. Overall, the visit showcased impactful collaboration between USAID, project partners, and local communities in promoting sustainable oyster fishery and connected ecosystem conservation.