Ghana Health Service responds to dead fish incident at Tema Port
Ghana Health Service says it led a coordinated multi-agency response following the discovery of a large quantity of dead fish at the Tema Port Shipyard Slipway. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, April 6, 2026, between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., during a routine disinfestation exercise by the Tema Port Health Unit. Port Health officials were alerted by a security guard to the presence of a large number of dead fish floating at the slipway.
A preliminary assessment confirmed a significant quantity of fish along the slipway. The security guard indicated that fishermen using canoes had already removed substantial quantities of the fish and were likely to return for more. This created a risk of illegal circulation within nearby communities and markets. The development posed a potential threat to public health, particularly if the fish entered the food chain. A swift response was activated involving several state agencies, including the Fisheries Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drugs Authority. Samples of the fish were taken for laboratory testing. Security measures were intensified at the site to prevent further removal of the fish. By the following day, authorities supervised the removal and safe disposal of the decomposing fish. A rapid assessment conducted at nearby fish markets found no evidence that the fish had entered circulation. Officials engaged fishmongers and fishermen in health education.
The Ghana Health Service will continue to monitor the situation while awaiting laboratory results to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Quick Summary
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has responded to an incident at the Tema Port Shipyard Slipway. A multi-agency response was activated following the discovery of dead fish - raising concerns about potential public health risks.
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