By: Peter Agengre
The Sissili River in the Builsa South District in recent times witnessed a severe fish mortality rate causing a heavy financial loss to fish farmers in the Upper East Region. The cause for the fish mortality is attributed to activities of illegal mining and the use of agrochemicals leading to pollution of the water bodies.
According to a veterinary surgeon, Dr. Standley Hughes-Obresi, during a visit to the river site they found empty agrochemical containers along the river bank, raising suspicions of runoff contamination. Additionally, evidence of galamsey activities was also observed.
A research team, including experts from the Fish Health Unit of the Northern Sector Veterinary Services Directorate and the Fisheries Commission conducted field and laboratory examinations and detected that;
“Almost all the fishes had liver lesions. We also found abnormal frothy material in the intestines and hemorrhaging in the testes. Such symptoms strongly suggest exposure to harmful substances, particularly agrochemicals or heavy metals, likely mercury.”
Dr. Standley Hughes-Obresi was briefing the Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri on the alarming discoveries.
This alarming sight of dead fish floating on the surface of the river triggered immediate concern among residents. Tests by the Ghana Standards Authority confirmed traces of mercury in water samples taken from the river. While the source of the contamination remains unclear, the possibility of indiscriminate use of agrochemicals near the river and illegal mining activities on the water cannot be ruled out.
“If it is indeed from galamsey activities, then the danger is long-term. Continuous exposure can lead to cancers and even congenital malformations. There should be strict regulation of agrochemical usage near water bodies and sustainable mining practices to mitigate environmental degradation.’’ Dr. Hughes-Obresi cautioned.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, commended the technical team for their swift response and called for an immediate community sensitization to prevent further harm.
“If I were walking past and saw those fish, I might have picked them up thinking they were a gift from nature. But clearly, they pose a serious health threat. We must educate residents on the risks of consuming fish under such circumstances. This is not just a regional issue but a national concern.” Mr. Akamugri remarked.
