Some dead fish
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Fisheries Commission have reported a mass fish mortality at the Tema Shipyard in the Greater-Accra Region, raising concerns over food safety and environmental conditions in the area.
The incident was first noticed on April 6, 2026, with dead fish concentrated within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp.
A joint statement issued by the FDA, Fisheries Commission, Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service said the site was immediately secured following the discovery.
The statement indicated that security personnel first observed the dead fish between 5:00 am and 6:00 am, prompting the rapid deployment of a response team composed of FDA inspectors, police officers, and Tema Port officials.
According to the statement, 60 to 80 fish samples, along with water samples, have been collected under strict chain-of-custody procedures and sent for priority laboratory testing.
The statement emphasised that there is currently no evidence of deliberate sabotage or an immediate widespread health emergency, but the cause of the mortality remains under urgent investigation.
The agencies warned the public not to harvest, purchase, or consume fish or seafood from the Tema Shipyard and surrounding areas until an official “All-Clear” notice is issued.
The statement indicated that fish from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected zone are considered safe if cooked to an internal temperature of 63°C or above.
The statement urged residents to report any sightings of dead or distressed fish to the FDA Hotline: 0551 112 224/5 or to their nearest FDA office.
Anyone who has consumed fish from the area and is experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation is advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers of potential exposure.
The statement assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations continued, and encouraged reliance solely on official channels to avoid misinformation.
By Ernest Kofi Adu