Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Member of Parliament for the Ellembele constituency, has called for swift intervention in the unfolding fish disease crisis in Kamgbunli.
The alarming situation, attributed to contamination in the Ebi River, has disrupted fishing activities, the community’s primary livelihood, and raised public health concerns. The MP issued the appeal following reports of fish caught in the river exhibiting severe skin infections, accompanied by a noxious odour and unusual discolouration of the water.
To protect residents, a temporary ban on fishing in the Ebi River has been imposed. While necessary, the ban has left many fishermen without an income, exacerbating the community’s economic hardship. “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 MP said in his statement.
Hon. Buah has appealed to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and other relevant agencies to collaborate in investigating the root cause of the crisis. “I…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“, he added.
He has also emphasised the need for immediate support for the affected fishermen, whose livelihoods have been brought to a standstill by the temporary ban on fishing in the Ebi River.
“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,” the MP added.
