FDA, security agencies seize contaminated fish in Tema Newtown cleanup exercise
Tema, July 28, 2026 —
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces, today undertook a joint enforcement exercise at the Tema Newtown fishing enclave to safeguard public health.
The operation targeted poor sanitation, unsafe fish handling practices, and the sale of contaminated fish products in one of Ghana’s busiest fishing communities.
During the exercise, FDA officials confiscated quantities of contaminated fish from fish handlers. The unwholesome products were evacuated for safe disposal to prevent them from entering the food value chain and reaching consumers.
Beyond enforcement, the FDA team also engaged fishmongers, processors, and handlers on the importance of maintaining good hygiene and adopting safe fish handling and processing practices. The education focused on proper storage, use of clean water, personal hygiene, and approved methods for drying and smoking fish to reduce contamination and post-harvest losses.
“We cannot compromise on food safety. Fish is a major source of protein for Ghanaians, and it must be safe for consumption,” an FDA official on the team stated.
In a related development, the TMA has commenced a demolition exercise along the shoreline to pave the way for the clearing of accumulated refuse that has created insanitary conditions in the enclave. The waste, officials said, has been attracting pests and contaminating fish processing areas.
The Assembly further assured the FDA that hygienic platforms will be constructed to provide fish processors with safer and more sanitary facilities for drying and smoking fish. The new infrastructure is expected to reduce exposure to dirt, improve product quality, and create a more orderly environment for fish businesses.
The Chief Executive of TMA, who joined the exercise, said the Assembly is committed to reclaiming the shoreline and restoring Tema Newtown to acceptable public health standards. He urged residents and business operators to cooperate with the ongoing clean-up and to make use of the new facilities once completed.
The FDA reiterated its commitment to working with key stakeholders, including metropolitan assemblies, security agencies, and community leaders, to ensure that food made available to the public is safe, wholesome, and of good quality.
The Authority said similar joint operations will be rolled out in other coastal communities to enforce food safety regulations and protect consumers from foodborne illnesses.
Residents welcomed the exercise but called for sustained monitoring and education to ensure long-term compliance.
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