Skip to main content Accessibility Help
Open menu

The device is helping smallholder farmers to reduce fish mortality and increase their yields so they can produce both sustainably and profitably. AquaMet have over 120 farmers already using the technology and plans to onboard 7,500 more.

Frank’s story

When Frank was working with fish farmers during his national service at the department of Fisheries and Watershed Management in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, he encountered a troubling reality – poor water quality caused large stock losses for fish farmers. One farmer, Tetteh, had spent five months raising his fish, only to lose two-thirds of his mature stock just before harvest. This was not an isolated case; it was a widespread issue in a country where fish is the primary protein source for 70% of the population. Despite a US$200 million aquaculture export industry, the sector was struggling because of low yields and high fish mortality.

Frank knew that something needed to change. Farmers were relying on intuition rather than data to manage water quality, and this guesswork often led to devastating losses.

The innovation

AquaMet, a smart water quality monitoring device, was developed to address these challenges. The device includes three critical sensors that measure pH levels, dissolved oxygen, and water temperature – key factors affecting fish health. When water quality deteriorates, the device sends real-time notifications and management recommendations to the farmer’s mobile device.

Beyond monitoring, the mobile platform provides record-keeping tools, access to extension services, and a marketplace where farmers can connect with buyers. By digitising farm management, AquaMet ensures that farmers can make informed decisions, reducing fish mortality and increasing production efficiency.

AquaMet’s vision extends beyond Ghana. The company aims to expand to neighbouring African markets, including Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, within the next five years, targeting over 20,000 fish farmers. Their goal is not only to improve fish farming efficiency but also to enhance food security and economic sustainability across the continent.

Making a difference

AquaMet has already shown promising results. Farmers using the device have reported a 10–15% increase in yields, significantly reducing their previous loss rates, which could reach up to 45%. With 120 users already benefiting from the device, AquaMet has also built a database of 1,500 fish farmers and is on track to onboard 7,500 more by year-end.

The team behind AquaMet – Frank Owusu (CEO), Gabriel Lorlornyo (Tech Lead), and Priscilla Brempong (Marketing Lead) – has worked closely with farmers to ensure the technology meets their needs. Recognising that internet connectivity is a barrier in some areas, they have integrated an SMS notification system, allowing farmers with feature phones to receive vital data and alerts.

By empowering smallholder farmers with actionable data, AquaMet is positioning itself as a game-changer in African aquaculture – helping farmers reduce losses, boost profits, and secure a more sustainable future.

Farmers previously relied on intuition, but 90% of the time, guesswork failed them. Now, with accurate data, they can make precise decisions and prevent losses before they happen. The Africa Prize means we can obtain funding and build strategies and networks through partnerships that will help us catalyse our impact.