A joint team of the Food and Drugs Authority, Fisheries Commission, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and the Criminal Investigations Department has commenced investigations into a mass fish mortality incident at the Tema Shipyard.
In a statement signed by the Food and Drugs Authority, Fisheries Commission, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and the Criminal Investigations Department, the incident was reported to have been detected on April 6, 2026, prompting an immediate joint response to secure the affected site while investigations continue to determine the cause.
The dead fish were found within an estimated 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp at the shipyard. Security personnel first observed the situation between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., leading to the deployment of a rapid-response team made up of FDA inspectors, police officers, and Tema Port officials.
Preliminary assessments have not established any signs of deliberate sabotage or an immediate widespread public health emergency.
Authorities have, however, collected between 60 and 80 fish samples, alongside water samples, under strict chain-of-custody procedures for urgent laboratory analysis.
The institutions have issued a public advisory urging residents and the general public to refrain from harvesting, purchasing, or consuming fish and seafood from the Tema Shipyard and nearby areas until clearance is given.
They further indicated that fish obtained from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected zone remains safe for consumption when properly cooked to an internal temperature of at least 63 degrees Celsius.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report any sightings of dead or distressed fish to the FDA hotline or the nearest FDA office. Individuals who may have consumed fish from the affected area and are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or skin irritation have been advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers of possible exposure.
Authorities say updates will be communicated as investigations progress, urging the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.
