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Unexplained fish deaths in the Sissili river in Ghana’s Upper East Region have sparked growing concern among local communities and environmental health experts.
Preliminary investigations point to a combination of agrochemical pollution and possible mercury contamination from mining activities.
The river, which runs through the Fumbisi-Wiesi area, is a vital resource for local fishing communities, irrigation, and household use. But in recent weeks, residents have reported large numbers of dead fish washing ashore, prompting a multi-agency investigation.
A veterinary research team led by Dr Stanley Hughes-Obresi, a veterinary surgeon, has conducted field visits and laboratory tests to determine the cause. Their findings suggest environmental contamination linked to agricultural practices and suspected mining operations upstream.
“We found bottles of agrochemicals discarded near the river,” Dr Hughes-Obresi said during a community presentation. He warned that runoff during the rainy season could be washing these chemicals into the river, impacting aquatic life and water safety.
Signs of contamination
Post-mortem analysis of the fish revealed lesions on the liver, frothy material in the intestines, and internal bleeding. These symptoms are consistent with exposure to toxic substances, including heavy metals like mercury.
Water samples collected from the river have confirmed the presence of mercury, a hazardous metal associated with severe health effects, including cancer, neurological damage, and reproductive complications.
Results from tissue samples are still pending, but experts say continued exposure through fish consumption or contact with the water, poses a serious risk to both humans and animals.
“It’s not yet clear whether the contamination is accidental or the result of deliberate dumping,” Dr Hughes-Obresi said. “But what is certain is that people who depend on the river for drinking water, fishing, and farming are at risk.”
Wider implications
The findings raise broader environmental and public health concerns, particularly regarding the disposal of agrochemicals near water sources and the regulation of mining activities in the region.
“If illegal mining is involved, the risk is even greater and long-term,” Dr Hughes-Obresi noted, calling for tighter oversight and community education. “You can’t just tell people to stop using the river. We must help them understand the risks and provide safe alternatives.”
The investigation has brought together experts from the Ghana Health Service, the Water Resources Commission, and the Ghana Standards Authority. Authorities are expected to announce further measures once the full report is finalised.
Report by Mark Smith for Asaase News in the Upper East Region
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