The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) has announced a temporary fishing ban on Kambungli, Ellembele District, in the Western Region as part of measures to contain a fish disease outbreak in the area.
The fishing ban on the Ebi, Amanzule and Fia rivers is also to safeguard aquatic health, protect biodiversity and preserve the livelihood of fisherfolk in the area.
The ministry, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Unit and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), added that other measures include MoFA working closely with the district authorities and relevant agencies to enforce strict regulations on the movement of live fish from the affected areas.
“Infected fish must be safely disposed of, preferably by burning or incinerating. The ministry encourages the public to report on any appearance and/or behaviour of fish promptly.”
It indicated that on January 12, 2025, the Fish Health Unit (FHU) of the Fisheries Commission was alerted to an unusual fish mortality event in the district , adding that further investigations confirmed the outbreak of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS), a severe transboundary disease recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH.)
“The disease caused by the pathogen Aphanomyces invadans sp. manifests as skin ulcers and lesions and has impacted several wild freshwater species, including catfish and snakehead.”
It added that upon receiving the report, a multidisciplinary team, including experts from the FHU of the Fisheries Commission, the Water Research Institute (WRI), Accra Veterinary Laboratory, Emed Diagnostic Services, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), conducted further tests.
“Histopathological and PCR testing methods confirmed the presence of the disease, with 80% of tested samples returning positive results.”
The ministry further urged the public to remain vigilant and support these measures, assuring them of its commitment to the protection of aquatic life, the sustainability of the fisheries sector, and the food security of all Ghanaians.
By Laudia Sawer , GNA