Asutsuare Tilapia Massacre: What Regulatory Agencies are Hiding from Consumers

Ghanaians need to understand clearly that isolation and disposal of 1800 kilograms of Tilapia at Asutsuare in the Greater Accra region is a tongue-in-cheek approach to alleviate food safety threats in Ghana.

Poisoned tilapia to be disposed off at Asuatere

We live in a country where a few people decide on the longevity of vulnerable population. With 20% of global fish stock being diverted to aquaculture, regulatory bodies like Ghana Standards Authority, Food and Drugs Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency must be proactive in eliminating threats associated with food safety and food security.

Unwholesome tilapia buried at Asuatere

Five questions we must ask our regulatory bodies are: 1. What are the certified fish species (Tilapia/Catfish/Mudfish) allowed in Ghana? 2. Are suppliers of fish stock  (fingerlings/matured) audited periodically to ensure consistency in the quality of produce? 3. Do we have an ultramodern laboratory to assess food fraud and vulnerability? 4. What is the data gathered on species assessment over a time period (possibly quarterly or mid year)? 5. Are there any outliers in finding the root-cause of the death of Tilapia? What are they hiding? Aside from the instigated pronouncements of Genetically Modified species of tilapia, there are other areas of concern in this Akosombo-Chinese Tilapia Saga. The effective evaluation of fishmeal, monitoring of water quality and critical identification of vulnerability threats will stamp out discrepancies in the fisheries sector. Due to the absence of a rigorous framework to identify, label and categorise agricultural products, consumers remain sessile specimen to biotech flaws. We can't sit and cry for more hospital beds while policy makers spearhead the permeation of fraudulent supplies into our market. Your health is what you eat...We need transparency in our food safety administration.If you see a suspicious product on the market, kindly send us a photo via email at our.gheco@gmail.com Say No to Politicisation of Food Safety Threats!!! 

Suzette Emefa Sey

Aquaculturist, Ghana Environmental Community