FDA to conduct laboratory test on Axim fishes

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) would soon conduct random laboratory test on fish suspected to have been preserved with Formalin, the chemical used for embalming corpses in Axim in the Western Region.

The Western and Central Regional Zonal Manager of the FDA, Mr. Solomon Agampim, told the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi that the Authority dispatched personnel to Axim last Monday to meet various stakeholders in the fisheries sector.

He said although the Authority did not come across fish preserved with formalin, his outfit would continue investigations into the matter and bring perpetrators to book.

He said though there were widespread rumours in the town that some fishmongers had been preserving fish with formalin, they are yet to arrest anyone involved in this act.

The FDA Manager added that he also received report from some fishermen that some of them had been using mosquito coil in fishing.

Explaining the modus operandi of the practice, Mr. Agampim said the fishermen allegedly grind the mosquito coils into powdered form and sprinkle it within a radius on the sea with high concentration of fish stock, which weakens them leading eventually to their capture without much difficulty.

He said such illegal and negative fishing method could contaminate the fishes and pose a threat to unsuspecting fish consumers.

Mr. Agampim said the Marine Police Unit based at Aiyinase in the Ellembelle District had been informed to arrest and prosecute fishermen involved in this practice.

He indicated that the Authority would intensify its sensitization and educational drive on illegal methods of fishing in the municipality to curtail these negative practices.

Some stakeholders at the meeting included the Municipal Environmental Officer, Agriculture officers, members of fishermen and fishmongers associations, the Municipal Chief Executive, Assembly members, Information Service officers and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) personnel.

Source: GNA