Two institutions have launched separate investigations into the incident of dead fish discovered within the slipway of the Tema Shipyard enclave in Tema earlier this week.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) have separately taken samples of the fish found dead for their independent investigations.
Several fish, mainly of the Sardinella aurita species, were found dead within the slipway — a natural collection point for debris due to water movement within the sea basin.
The incident was first detected on Monday, April 6, 2026, during a routine sanitation exercise by the Port Health Unit.
Consequently, a team from the EPA, led by the Aquaculture Desk Officer of the Natural Resources Department, Helina S. Dodd, visited the site to collect fish and water samples for analysis.
Ms Dodd assured the public that there was currently no immediate cause for alarm, but stressed that conclusions would depend on laboratory results.
Action
The Head of the Port Health Unit in Tema, which operates under the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, Hajia Jajatu Soale, in an interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday, said two officers, Richard Agongo and Samuel Gyamfi, on routine inspection of the facility, were alerted by security personnel about the presence of dead fish along the slipway.
She said upon inspection, the officers confirmed the situation and immediately escalated the issue.
Hajia Soale explained that upon receiving the report, she initiated immediate coordination by first notifying the Harbour Master and the shipyard’s Health and Safety Manager.
The dead fish
That step, she said, was consistent with the One Health operational approach intended to promote early collaboration across relevant sectors.
She further indicated that after establishing this coordination, additional key institutions were contacted, including the FDA, the EPA, the Fisheries Commission, and the Marine Police, to activate their respective mandates and support a comprehensive public health response in line with established protocols.
Hajia Soale explained that “this sequence of actions ensured that all critical agencies were informed promptly and that the response was structured, interdisciplinary, and aligned with established public health protocols”.
To avert any potential public health risk, the Port Health Unit worked with port authorities to secure the affected area and to prevent public access to the fish.
The Head of the Tema Port Health Unit said the Port Health Unit returned to the site the following day with logistics, including a pickup vehicle, tools and hired labour, to clean up the area.
In collaboration with shipyard officials, she said the dead fish were collected and disposed of at an approved waste site.
Clarity
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PSC Tema Shipyard, Alhaji Osman Sulemana, clarified that the recent discovery of dead fish within the shipyard was not connected to its operations.
He explained that the shipyard did not engage in fishing or fish trade, stressing that its core mandate was vessel repair and maintenance.
Alhaji Sulemana said the dead fish were likely washed ashore, particularly around the slipway, which is the lowest point within the port area.
He indicated that sea currents naturally carried debris and other materials, including fish, to that section.
While acknowledging public concern, Alhaji Sulemana expressed unease about reports linking the incident to the shipyard.
He assured the public that the shipyard was cooperating fully with authorities and remained committed to its operational mandate.
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Source:
www.graphic.com.gh