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AGRICULTURE

MoFAD to conduct inter-agency investigation into fish mortality in Accra Axim

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has served notice it is conducting an inter-agency investigation into the reported incidents of dead fishes of various species, washed ashore beaches in Accra and Axim over the Easter weekend.

Date Created : 4/6/2021 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Dominic Shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com

A release signed by the sector Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson on Monday identified these inter-agencies as; The Fisheries Commission, Food and Drugs Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Navy, the Marine Police, and the respective Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies in the respected areas affected.

The investigations according to the release will help determine the causes of the incidents and possible preventive measures for the future, and also ensure these agencies collaborate to prevent an entry of fish from this incident into the markets and food chain.

"The Ministry assures the general public that it will take all necessary steps to protect the fisheries industry from the potential harmful effects of this incident. Further, the Ministry reiterates the advice of FDA to the general public to desist from consuming the fish, in view of the potential risk to health and safety."

"The public is also being entreated to inspect the freshness of the eyes and gills of fish they seek to buy, which should generally be reddish in colour. The washed-ashore fish typically shows signs of popped out and unclear eyes, dull colouration of gills, bloating around the abdominal areas and possible oozing of foul scented fluids."

Meanwhile, The Ghana Police Service and City security officials have been alerted to arrest any persons found distributing fish from these incidents into the Ghanaian food chain.