The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong public health warning against consuming fish from the Tema Shipyard and surrounding areas following a mass fish mortality incident earlier this week.
In a joint statement released on April 9, 2026, the FDA, Fisheries Commission, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service urged the public not to harvest, buy, or consume fish or seafood from the affected zone until further notice.
The incident was first detected on April 6, 2026, between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., when security personnel reported a concentration of dead fish within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp at the shipyard.
Authorities responded promptly, securing the area and launching an investigation.
While the cause of the fish deaths remains unknown, officials stress that there is currently no evidence of deliberate sabotage or a widespread public health emergency, describing the restriction as a precautionary measure to protect consumers.
A rapid-response team, including FDA inspectors, police officers, and Tema Port officials, has collected between 60 and 80 fish samples along with water samples for laboratory testing under strict handling procedures. Investigations are ongoing.
The agencies advised that fish from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected area remain safe for consumption if properly cooked to an internal temperature of at least 63 degrees Celsius. Members of the public are also urged to report any sightings of dead or distressed fish to the FDA hotline or the nearest FDA office.
Anyone who may have consumed fish from the affected area and is experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation is advised to seek prompt medical attention and inform healthcare providers of possible exposure.
Authorities reassured the public that further updates would be communicated as soon as more information becomes available and encouraged citizens to rely solely on official sources for accurate information while the investigation continues.
