Gov’t Shuts Down Fishing in Ellembelle After Deadly Fish Disease Hits Rivers

A serious outbreak of a deadly fish disease in Ghana’s Western Region has led to an immediate government intervention.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFA) has confirmed the spread of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) in parts of the Ellembelle District, prompting a temporary fishing ban to protect aquatic life and local livelihoods.

The disease was first noticed on January 12, 2025, in Kambungli, where locals reported unusually high numbers of dead fish.

Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of EUS, a serious fish disease caused by the pathogen Aphanomyces invadans, and officially recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as a transboundary threat.

The Ministry issued a statement on June 4, confirming that the disease has affected several freshwater species, especially catfish and snakehead, known staples in local diets and commerce.

“Histopathological and PCR tests confirmed the disease in 80% of samples collected,” the Ministry said.

To swiftly contain the spread, the government has imposed a temporary ban on all fishing activities in the Ebi, Amanzule, and Fia rivers, which lie within the affected district.

The ban is also paired with a restriction on the movement of live fish from these areas to other regions.

The Ministry has dispatched a high-level technical team, drawing experts from the Fisheries Commission, Water Research Institute (WRI), Accra Veterinary Laboratory, Emed Diagnostic Services, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) to track and manage the situation.

Local fishers and residents are also being urged to help contain the outbreak by reporting any fish that appear with skin ulcers, lesions, or show unusual behavior. Authorities are advising that any infected or dead fish be safely burned or incinerated, not consumed or sold.

“The Ministry encourages the public to report any strange fish behavior or appearance promptly,” the statement added.

MoFA reassured the public of its dedication to protecting Ghana’s aquatic ecosystems and maintaining food security.

“We remain fully committed to the protection of aquatic life, the sustainability of the fisheries sector, and the food security of all Ghanaians,” the Ministry said.

For now, residents in Ellembelle are being asked to comply with the ban and support the collective effort to stop the disease from spreading further.