A joint task force led by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Fisheries Commission, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has launched an urgent investigation into a fish mortality incident at the Tema Shipyard, prompting a temporary public health advisory and heightened regulatory monitoring.
The incident, which was first detected on April 6, was described by the agencies as a “fish mortality occurrence” concentrated around the Tema Shipyard, with authorities moving swiftly to secure the affected area and begin sample collection for laboratory analysis.
According to the joint statement, dead fish were found within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp after being noticed by security personnel between 5:00 am and 6:00 am. The response has since involved a multi-agency team comprising FDA inspectors, police personnel, and Tema Port officials working to determine the source and extent of the occurrence.
The agencies said investigations remain ongoing, with the cause of the incident still under “urgent investigation.” They added that, at this stage, there is “no evidence” of deliberate sabotage or any immediate widespread public health emergency.
As part of the response, between 60 and 80 fish samples, together with water samples, have been collected under “chain-of-custody protocols” and submitted for priority laboratory testing, in what officials say is aimed at ensuring scientific credibility and preserving the integrity of any enforcement or regulatory action that may follow.
The development has triggered a public advisory restricting access to fish and seafood from the affected area until further notice. The agencies have directed the public not to harvest, buy, or consume fish or seafood from the Tema Shipyard or adjoining zones until the FDA issues an “All-Clear” notice.
However, the statement clarified that fish sourced from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected zone remains safe for consumption when properly cooked.
The agencies also urged the public to report any sightings of dead or distressed fish through the FDA’s hotline or at the nearest FDA offices, as part of what appears to be an expanded surveillance and traceability response around the incident.
In addition, individuals who may have consumed fish from the affected area and are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation have been advised to seek immediate medical attention and disclose any possible exposure to healthcare providers.
The coordinated intervention underscores the increasing emphasis being placed on food safety enforcement, fisheries oversight, and inter-agency emergency response in Ghana’s coastal and maritime zones, particularly in areas linked to fish handling and distribution.
