A strange disease that affects fish in the local rivers has put a halt to fishing in Kamgbunli, a predominantly Zongo hamlet in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
The community’s main source of income is in grave danger, and they are overcome with anxiety and uncertainty. There are serious skin diseases in fish that were taken in the Ebi River.
The fish becomes dangerous to eat and unsellable as a result of these diseases, which begin as red, swollen lesions and progress into huge, open sores. The community’s economic problems have gotten worse as a result of this circumstance.
Ban imposed
To address this possible health danger, authorities have temporarily banned fishing in the Fia, Ebi, and Amanzule rivers. Until the cause of the disease is determined via research, fishermen have been urged to avoid the waters.
“We have also summoned the fisherfolk and advised them to stay away from the river since the cause is still unknown. Until investigations are completed, they have been instructed to refrain from any activities on the river,” said Dawuda Musa, an Assembly Member.
During a crucial period when fishermen rely on fishing to provide for their families and celebrate, this order has left them without earnings.
The public is pleading with authorities to look into the matter more promptly and find a solution. Many people are afraid that protracted delays will make their financial problems worse.
Disturbing discoveries
At certain locations along the river, Kamgbunli fisherman set up wire mesh traps, as opposed to casting nets into the ocean.
During the interviews, two other issues surfaced: the river has a strong, unpleasant stink, and the water has become oddly discolored.
The Ellembelle District Health Director, Dr. Augustine Amoako, acknowledged that the precise origin of the illness is still unknown but voiced concern about the possible health hazards.
“There is a likelihood of health implications, but we cannot be definitive at this point because the exact cause is unknown. Once the team arrives and samples of the fish and water are collected and tested, we will be able to determine the cause, which might be chemical. For now, we can only predict that there may be health consequences,” Dr. Amoako explained.
Community faces hardship
Residents and fishmongers are having difficulty as a result of the restriction. A lot of people aren’t sure if they should keep or throw away fish they bought before the illness was identified.
“As a result of this emergency, anyone who has already bought some for home consumption is now in a dilemma. For instance, I bought mine a fortnight ago, intending to use it later. However, with this issue now emerging, I am waiting for the outcome of the investigation. Honestly, it’s a real problem,” said Shaibu Abdullah Issaka, a resident.
Fishmongers have also expressed their displeasure by pointing to large losses and urging authorities to speed up their investigations.
Even though the situation is urgent, samples of the fish that was contaminated and river water have not yet been gathered by the Western Regional Fisheries Commission. With no set timetable for resolving the situation, this delay has put the Kamgbunli community in a state of uncertainty.