The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), working alongside the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has launched a demolition exercise at Tema New Town Beach to tackle unsafe fish processing practices and improve sanitation.
The operation is targeting temporary structures along the shoreline where fish has reportedly been processed and dried under conditions authorities say fall short of acceptable public health standards.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Frank Asante, the exercise forms part of a broader redevelopment plan for the beachfront and will continue until the area has been fully cleared.
He explained that fish processed in unsanitary environments poses a potential risk to consumers, making the enforcement action necessary to safeguard public health.
He also noted that those affected had been given prior notice before the demolition exercise began.
The operation follows concerns raised during a community clean-up campaign by the Buss Stop Boys, which drew attention to the poor sanitary conditions under which fish was being dried at the beach.
Some of the affected fish processors appealed to the authorities to focus on improving sanitation infrastructure rather than demolishing their workspaces.
They argued that providing waste bins and improved waste management facilities would help them maintain cleaner processing conditions and protect their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Tema East Sub-Metro Chairman assured the affected traders that the area would be redeveloped to meet health and environmental requirements.
He added that fish processing activities would only resume after the redevelopment is completed and the site has been approved for safe operations.
