144 Views Posted on 27-Sep-2011 under Health

People Poisoned...Thousands Of Fishes Dead in Ghana



Toxic chemical said to be used in treatment of wood has been discharged into the Butuah Lagoon, near New Takoradi by an unknown timber company, resulting in the death of more than 40,000 fishes in the lagoon.

Some residents of New Takoradi, a community near the lagoon, who ate the dead fish suffered runny stomach and dehydration and had to be rushed to hospital for attention. The Butuah Lagoon is a protected area for fishing and breeding of marine species. A large tract of wetland near the lagoon which serves as a buffer zone against flood has been heavily polluted. The environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched investigation into the disposal of the toxic chemical into the lagoon to find out who was responsible.

The assembly member for New Takoradi, Mr. E. Adoko and chief fisherman of New Takoradi, Nana Kow Ackon, said when residents got to know of the incident, they contacted various in industries located within the area but each of them denied discharging waste into the lagoon.

Nana Ackon said to avoid the overpowering stench from the dead fishes and prevent people from collecting the contaminated fish for consumption, the fisherfolk had so far collected more than eight canoes full of fish to the shore and buried them. When contacted, the EPA officials said initial investigation by the agency had indicated that the toxic chemical was discharged by a timber firm in the metropolis after the company had used the chemical in processing wood.
(Story By David Amponsah Boakye)