Member of Parliament for Ellembelle constituency in the Western Region, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has called for swift action to deal with what he terms “a devastating situation” in Kamgbunli in the Ellembelle municipality of the western region. Fishermen are faced with fish disease crisis.
According to the MP, the situation is deeply troubling and alarming as the mysterious fish disease is wracking havoc on the livelihoods of fisherfolk.
“the situation in Kamgbunli is dire: fish caught in the Ebi River are exhibiting severe skin infections, making them unsuitable for sale or consumption.
Additionally, the river has taken on a noxious odor and an unsettling color, heightening concerns about potential health hazards for our residents”.
Taking to his official Facebook page to call for a swift action to be taken by the Fisheries Ministry and Commission, Mr. Armah- Kofi Buah stated that, the fish disease has posed a significant threat to the health of members of the community.
“I urgently implore the Western Regional Fisheries Commission to promptly gather samples from the impacted fish and the river”.
He added that, “while the temporary ban on fishing activities in the affected rivers is a necessary precaution to safeguard our people, it is imperative that we expedite the process of collecting samples and conducting tests to pinpoint the source of contamination”.
Mr. Armah- Kofi Buah called on all stakeholders in the fisheries sector to as a matter as urgency address this issue, as he stands in solidarity with his people.
“I further call on the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and other pertinent agencies to collaborate and offer the requisite support to investigate and address this pressing crisis. I stand in solidarity with the people of Kamgbunli and call on all stakeholders to prioritize this issue and work together to address the urgent needs of our constituents”.
Read full statement below
URGENT CALL TO ACTION: FISHERMEN IN KAMGBUNLI FACE DEVASTATING FISH DISEASE CRISIS.
I am deeply troubled by the alarming reports emerging from Kamgbunli, a town in my beloved Ellembele constituency, where a mysterious fish disease is wreaking havoc on the livelihoods of our fishermen and posing a significant threat to the health of our community.
The situation in Kamgbunli is dire: fish caught in the Ebi River are exhibiting severe skin infections, making them unsuitable for sale or consumption.
Additionally, the river has taken on a noxious odor and an unsettling color, heightening concerns about potential health hazards for our residents.
While the temporary ban on fishing activities in the affected rivers is a necessary precaution to safeguard our people, it is imperative that we expedite the process of collecting samples and conducting tests to pinpoint the source of contamination.
I urgently implore the Western Regional Fisheries Commission to promptly gather samples from the impacted fish and the river.
Any delay in taking these crucial steps only prolongs the suffering of the Kamgbunli community.
I further call on the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and other pertinent agencies to collaborate and offer the requisite support to investigate and address this pressing crisis.
I stand in solidarity with the people of Kamgbunli and call on all stakeholders to prioritize this issue and work together to address the urgent needs of our constituents.
Hon.Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
(MP for ELLEMBELLE Constituency)