Fisherfolk found carting dead tilapia from Asutsuare for ‘koobi’
OVER FIVE research laboratory institutions abroad have commenced investigations into the cause of mass deaths of tilapia on the China Fujian Farm at Asutuare in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region.
Samples of the fish have been sent to laboratory institutions in Singapore, France, Germany, United Kingdom (UK) and Norway.
Dr. Fenxy Schandorf, Aquatic Animal Health Specialist at the Fisheries Commission, disclosed this to DAILY GUIDE in an interview yesterday. He indicated that the test results are expected in the country within two weeks to bring an end to the matter.
Asked why the foreign tests, he stated that the foreign tests are significant to complement the efforts of the local researchers.
He advised the public to refrain from consuming tilapia until the final determination of the lab test.
“This is not good for aquaculture because one or two farms producing tilapia in Ghana have been affected; no tilapia should be consumed. What percentage of the total production in Ghana is affected?” he quizzed.
He added that since the place has been quarantined, coupled with proper burying of dead fishes, no one should be scared of consuming tilapia except from the affected area.
Large tons of unwholesome tilapia were destroyed and buried by the Fisheries Commission at the China Fujian Farm – a Chinese-owned farm.
The Chinese-owned company has since been closed down and the fishes banned from going out until final determination of the incident.
Reports indicate that some fishmongers were later found carting the dead fishes to be processed into salted fish, commonly called ‘Koobi’ to sell to the unsuspecting public.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema