Nii Ashitey Odametey II, the Chief Fisherman of Tema Awudum, has assured the public that fish sold at the Tema Canoe Beach is safe for consumption.
He gave the assurance following public concerns triggered by an April 9, 2026 advisory from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
The Authority cautioned against the consumption, harvesting, or purchase of fish and seafood from the Tema Shipyard and adjacent areas after the discovery of dead fish within a 50-metre radius of the main unloading ramp.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Nii Odametey clarified that the incident occurred at the shipyard; an area restricted to vessels under repair and not at the canoe basin where artisanal fishers operate.
“We became aware of the fish mortality at the shipyard, but some people created the impression that it occurred at the canoe basin, which is not true,” he said.
He explained that canoes do not operate within the shipyard area due to access restrictions and that fish sold at the canoe beach are caught using nets and hooks from designated fishing zones at sea.
“The fish sold here are not from the shipyard. We do not fish in that area, and such fish are not brought to our landing sites or cold stores,” he stated.
The Chief Fisherman said the situation had negatively affected fish trade at the canoe beach, with reduced patronage impacting fishmongers and others along the value chain.
He attributed part of the decline to misinformation and urged the media to ensure accurate reporting to avoid undue panic.
Nii Odametey also called on the FDA to provide timely updates on the incident to restore public confidence and protect the livelihoods of fisherfolk.
By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA