The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Fisheries Commission, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service have alerted the general public to a fish mortality occurrence at the Tema Shipyard.
According to the statement issued on Thursday in Accra, dead fish were found concentrated within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp, which was first observed by security personnel between 5:00 am and 6:00 am.
It said the issue was noticed on 6th April 2026, and the four institutions jointly responded immediately and secured the site, stating that the cause of the incident was currently under urgent investigation.
The statement said that there is no evidence so far of deliberate sabotage or an immediate widespread health emergency, adding that between 60 and 80 fish samples, and some water samples, have been collected under chain-of-custody protocols for priority laboratory testing.
“The public is advised as follows: Do not harvest, purchase, or consume fish or seafood from the Tema Shipyard or adjacent areas until the FDA issues an ‘All-Clear’ notice. Fish from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected zone remains safe when cooked to an internal temperature of 63°C or above.
Report sightings of dead or distressed fish to the FDA Hotline: 0551 112 224/5 or the nearest FDA offices. Anyone who has consumed fish from the area and is experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation should seek immediate medical attention and inform his or her healthcare provider of the potential exposure,” the statement noted.
It noted that further updates will be provided as they become available, hence the public is encouraged to rely only on official channels for information.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
