In a statement issued on 9 April 2026, the Food and Drugs Authority Ghana, Fisheries Commission Ghana, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service disclosed that the incident was first detected on 6 April 2026.
According to the statement, large quantities of dead fish were found within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp at the shipyard. The situation was initially observed by security personnel between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from relevant authorities. The affected area was quickly secured to prevent further contamination or public exposure.
A joint rapid-response team comprising FDA inspectors, police officers, and officials from the Tema Port has since been working to determine the cause of the mortality. While investigations remain ongoing, authorities have indicated that there is currently no evidence pointing to deliberate sabotage or a widespread public health emergency.
As part of the investigation, between 60 and 80 fish samples, along with water samples from the site, have been collected under strict chain-of-custody procedures. These samples have been prioritised for laboratory testing to establish whether environmental, chemical, or biological factors may have contributed to the incident.
In the meantime, the authorities have issued a strong public advisory urging caution. Residents and the general public have been directed not to harvest, purchase, or consume fish or seafood from the Tema Shipyard or nearby areas until an official “all-clear” is announced by the FDA. However, fish sourced from certified cold-chain markets outside the affected zone is considered safe, provided it is properly cooked at an internal temperature of at least 63°C.
The public has also been encouraged to report any sightings of dead or distressed fish through official FDA channels. Additionally, 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 have assured the public that updates will be provided as new information becomes available. They have also emphasised the importance of relying solely on verified and official communication channels to avoid misinformation during the investigation period.
The incident has raised concerns among local fishing communities and stakeholders in Tema, a key hub for Ghana’s fishing and maritime activities, as authorities work to determine the underlying cause and prevent a recurrence.
