The Ghana Health Service, through its Tema Port Health Unit, has led a coordinated response involving key stakeholders following the discovery of a large number of dead fish washed ashore at the Tema Shipyard (Slipway).

The incident was first brought to the attention of the Harbour Master and the Operations Manager of the shipyard by the Tema Port Health Unit, prompting the swift assembly of a multi-agency team by the Shipyard Authority to investigate the unusual fish mortality event. The team included Food Safety and Environmental Health Officers, representatives from the Fisheries Commission, Tema Port authorities, Environmental Protection Agency, personnel from the Marine Police and Port Health officials.

Preliminary investigations revealed no signs of deliberate sabotage or an immediate public health emergency. However, authorities stress that the exact cause of the incident remains under urgent investigation, with samples and environmental assessments expected to guide further action.

In the interim, containment measures have been activated and strictly enforced. These measures are aimed at preventing the illegal harvesting and distribution of the dead fish by nearby fishing communities, a practice that could pose serious health risks if left unchecked.

The team also conducted a rapid risk assessment within local fish markets to trace any suspicious sales linked to the incident. Although no contaminated fish were identified in circulation, the exercise reinforced the need for continued vigilance.

As part of the response, officials engaged directly with local fishmongers and fishermen, using the opportunity to educate them on the dangers of consuming or selling unwholesome fish. The outreach emphasized food safety practices and the importance of protecting public health. The Tema Port Health Unit team was led by Madam Jajatu Soale, who is also the Head of the Unit.

This intervention forms part of the core mandate of the Tema Port Health Unit of the Ghana Health Service, which is to safeguard public health at points of entry by preventing the introduction, transmission, and spread of diseases, ensuring the safety of food and environmental conditions, and promoting health education and compliance with national and international health regulations. The Port Health Department of the Service is headed by Dr. Alphonsus Nindow.

Source: GHS