A joint team of regulators and security agencies has launched an urgent investigation into a fish mortality incident reported at the Tema Shipyard.
The probe is being led by the Food and Drugs Authority, in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.
According to a joint statement issued on April 9, the incident was first detected on April 6, when dead fish were found near the facility’s main unloading ramp.
“Dead fish were found concentrated within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp. It was first observed by security personnel between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. A rapid-response team comprising FDA inspectors, police officers, and Tema Port officials have since been collaborating to establish what might have caused this,” the statement said.
Preliminary assessments have not indicated any deliberate human action or immediate public health threat. However, officials say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Authorities have collected between 60 and 80 fish samples, along with water samples, which have been sent for laboratory analysis.
As a precautionary measure, the public has been advised to avoid consuming fish or seafood sourced from the Tema Shipyard and nearby waters until further notice. Residents have also been reassured that fish from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected area remain safe if properly handled and cooked.
Health officials recommend cooking fish to an internal temperature of at least 63°C to ensure safety.
The public is further encouraged to report any sightings of dead or distressed fish through the FDA hotline or at the nearest office. Meanwhile, anyone who may have consumed fish from the affected area and is experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation has been urged to seek immediate medical attention and inform health professionals of possible exposure.
