Authorities at Tema Shipyard have strongly debunked reports that it has sold or distributed dead fish for consumption by the general public.
The swift response follows an unverified report circulating in the media space after there was a detection of mass mortality of fish near the shipyard.
The company insists it is only a victim of the incident as swam of dead fish found their way into their environs.
Alhaji Osman Sulemana, the Chief Executive Officer of the Shipyard in an interaction during a meeting at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) on Friday, April 10, dismissed claims of his outfit being involved.
“I am so surprised when the information is just circulating within the media circle, saying that people should not come in and buy fish at the shipyard. We have nothing to do with this. We don’t have anything to do with either marketing.
There is no market for fish around here. And I’m surprised that they didn’t even attribute that thing to the Fishing Harbour, which is just in between us here. So I’m so surprised about that”, he said.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has since moved to calm public concerns following the discovery of the large number of unalive fish at the Tema Port Shipyard, assuring the public that there is no immediate threat to public health.
The mass fish mortality incident has triggered an urgent joint investigation by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Fisheries Commission, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.
The incident was first detected on April 6, 2026, when security personnel were on routine disinfection exercise and observed mass dead fish between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., concentrated within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp.
A rapid-response team made up of FDA inspectors, police officers and Tema Port officials has since been deployed to determine the cause of the incident. According to a joint press release issued by the four institutions, there is no evidence so far of deliberate sabotage or an immediate widespread public health emergency.
Between 60 and 80 fish samples, along with water samples, have been collected under strict chain-of-custody protocols for priority laboratory testing.
Authorities have issued a public advisory urging citizens to refrain from harvesting, purchasing or consuming any fish or seafood from the Tema Shipyard or nearby areas until the FDA issues an “All-Clear” notice.
Fish sourced from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected zone remains safe when cooked to an internal temperature of 63°C or above, the advisory stated.
The public has also been encouraged to report sightings of dead or distressed fish to the FDA Hotline: 0551 112 224/5 or to the nearest FDA office.
Additionally, individuals who may have consumed fish from the affected area and are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or skin irritation have been advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform their healthcare provider of the potential exposure.
By Gifty Boateng