By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Sissili (U/E), May 22, GNA-An investigation into a disturbing case of mass fish deaths in the Sissili River in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region has been attributed to agrochemical pollution and galamsey.
The situation came to light after residents spotted large numbers of dead fish floating along the river, raising alarm among local communities and authorities.
This situation prompted swift investigations, with initial findings pointing to illegal mining, (galamsey) and agrochemical pollution as likely causes.
After the issue was reported, a joint team of experts from the Fish Health Unit of the Northern Sector Veterinary Services Directorate and the Fisheries Commission was deployed to conduct field and laboratory investigations.
Briefing Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri. Upper East Regional Minister, a joint team led by Dr Standley Hughes-Obresi, a Veterinary Surgeon revealed that the findings suggested that both agricultural and mining-related pollutants may have contaminated the river.
“We found empty agrochemical containers along the riverbank and observed signs of mining activities upstream,” he said,
According to him, post-mortem examinations on the dead fish revealed liver damage, intestinal froth, and hemorrhaging in reproductive organs, revealed clear indicators of exposure to toxic substances.
“These symptoms are consistent with contamination from agrochemicals or heavy metals, particularly mercury,” Dr Hughes-Obresi explained.
He added that preliminary water tests conducted by the Ghana Standards Authority confirmed the presence of mercury in the river, while further analyses on tissue samples were still ongoing to identify other possible toxins.
Dr Hughes-Obresi warned of the serious health risks associated with mercury exposure, adding “if galamsey is the source, the long-term effects could be devastating. Mercury exposure is linked to cancers and congenital defects,” he cautioned.
He therefore called for tighter controls on agrochemical usage near water bodies and more sustainable mining practices to address future problems.
On his part, the Regional Minister commended the technical team for their rapid response and called for urgent public education to prevent health risks.
“If I were walking by and saw these fish, I might have picked them up thinking they were a blessing but clearly, they are a serious health hazard,” he remarked.
The Minister emphasized the need to share the findings with other regions, particularly the North East and Upper West Regions, which also share the Sissili River.
He pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council to aid in sensitisation and ongoing investigations.
“This is not just a regional issue, it’s a national concern,” he said. “We must ensure that the final report is shared widely to inform preventive measures and protect public health.”
GNA
Edited by Fatima Anafu-Astanga/George-Ramsey Benamba