Following a viral video of fish processing under very unhygienic conditions, the Food and Drugs Authority says it has confiscated those that are suspected to be contaminated.
“As an immediate measure, the fish that have been exposed to unhygienic conditions were confiscated,” the regulatory body said in a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni, on Tuesday, July 28,2026.
A rapid response team from the FDA was dispatched to the scene on Monday, 27th July, in collaboration with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly and the Ghana Police Service, where they demolished some structures housing fresh and processed fish.
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, BuzstopBoyz, an environmental advocacy organisation, shared a viral video of individuals processing smoked and salted-dried fish under unhygienic conditions.
Even though these instances have come up once in a while in the past, the video drew criticisms from Ghanaians who argue that the FDA should take punitive actions to avert future occurrences.
The FDA, while responding to the public outcry, said it has always collaborated with relevant agencies to protect public health and safety with ongoing educational programmes to promote safe and hygienic fish processing practices.
Meanwhile, during the confiscations and demolition exercise, the FDA said the fish processors were educated on the public health risks associated with such unhygienic practices
Going forward, the FDA said it will collaborate with partners to continually “engage fish processors and fish mongers in the identified coastal districts on good hygienic practices to safeguard public health and safety.”
The Food and Drugs Authority has also advised the public to always buy smoked and dried fish only from reputable and hygienic sources and “inspect fish before purchase and avoid those that appear contaminated, have an offensive odour, unusual colour, or signs of spoilage.
It also said consumers should wash smoked or dried fish thoroughly before cooking and ensure it is cooked adequately before consumption.
It has advised the public to report any suspected unhygienic food processing, storage, or sale to the nearest FDA office or local assembly.
Meanwhile, the fishmongers whose wares were destroyed were seen in viral videos pleading with the authorities to salvage the storage.
Below is the full statement from the FDA.
