The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong public health advisory, urging residents and the general public to refrain from consuming, harvesting, or purchasing fish and other seafood from the Tema Shipyard and its surrounding areas until further notice.
The directive follows the alarming discovery of a significant number of dead fish within a 50-metre radius of the shipyard’s main unloading ramp, raising concerns about possible contamination and risks to human health.
In a joint statement released on Saturday and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the FDA, alongside the Fisheries Commission, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and the Criminal Investigations Department, confirmed that the affected area has been cordoned off as investigations intensify to determine the exact cause of the incident.
According to the statement, the unusual occurrence was first reported in the early hours of April 6, between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Authorities have since collected between 60 and 80 fish samples, along with water samples, all secured under strict chain-of-custody protocols and currently undergoing priority laboratory analysis.
Despite the incident, officials assured the public that fish sourced from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected zone remain safe for consumption, particularly when properly cooked to an internal temperature of at least 63°C.
“There is currently no evidence of deliberate sabotage or an immediate widespread public health emergency,” the statement noted, while emphasising the need for vigilance as investigations continue.
The FDA is calling on the public to promptly report any sightings of dead or distressed fish through its hotline (0551 112 224/5) or at the nearest FDA office.
Additionally, individuals who may have consumed fish from the affected area and are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers of possible exposure.
Authorities say further updates will be communicated as laboratory results and investigations progress.
