A multi-agency investigation is underway following the discovery of mass fish mortality at the Tema Shipyard, authorities have confirmed.
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 jointly moved to determine the cause of the incident.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the FDA said the dead fish were first observed by security personnel between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on April 6, within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp.
“A rapid-response team comprising FDA inspectors, police officers, and Tema Port officials has since been collaborating to establish what might have caused this,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigations have so far found no evidence of deliberate sabotage or an immediate public health threat. Between 60 and 80 fish samples, along with water samples from the affected area, have been collected for urgent laboratory analysis.
Authorities have warned the public against harvesting, purchasing, or consuming any fish or seafood from the Tema Shipyard or its surrounding waters until further notice.
“Citizens are advised to refrain from any handling or consumption of fish from the affected zone until the FDA issues an ‘All-Clear’ notice,” the advisory stated.
However, officials clarified that fish sourced from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected area remains safe for consumption when cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 63°C or above.
The FDA has urged anyone who may have consumed fish from the affected area and is experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation to seek immediate medical attention and inform their healthcare provider of the potential exposure.
The public is also encouraged to report any sightings of dead or distressed fish via the FDA Hotline: 0551 112 224/5, or to the nearest FDA office.
Authorities have appealed to the public to rely only on official channels for updates as investigations continue.
