A joint team comprising the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Fisheries Commission, Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service have launched an investigation into a mass fish mortality incident at the Tema Shipyard.

The incident, which was detected on April 6, 2026, prompted an immediate response from the four institutions, leading to the securing of the affected site as investigations commenced.

According to officials, dead fish were found concentrated within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp.

The situation was first observed by security personnel between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

A rapid-response team made up of FDA inspectors, police officers, and Tema Port authorities has since been working to determine the cause of the incident.

Authorities say there is currently no evidence of deliberate sabotage or an immediate widespread public health emergency.

As part of the investigation, between 60 and 80 fish samples, along with water samples, have been collected under strict chain-of-custody protocols for laboratory testing.

Meanwhile, the agencies have issued a public advisory cautioning against the consumption or sale of fish from the affected area.

Residents and the general public have been urged not to harvest, purchase, or consume fish or seafood from the Tema Shipyard and nearby locations until an official “all-clear” notice is issued by the FDA.

Authorities, however, assured that fish sourced from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected zone remain safe when properly cooked.

The public has also been encouraged to report any sightings of dead or distressed fish to the FDA, while individuals who may have consumed fish from the area and are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation have been advised to seek immediate medical attention.

The agencies say further updates will be communicated as investigations progress, urging the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.