The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Sanitation Court has convicted ten fishmongers for drying anchovies on a road median, fining each GH¢600, equivalent to 50 penalty units.
The convicted include Charlotte Amoo, Mercy Tetteh, Regina Tettey, Mary Attah, Patience Vosa, Cecilia Clottey, Comfort Amarteifio, Naomi Quaye, Sophia Quaye, and Abigail Ashie.
The offenders were arraigned on 10 February after being apprehended by AMA Environmental Health Officers during an enforcement exercise under the Clean Ghana Campaign, led by the Head of the Environmental Health Department, Madam Florence Kuukyi.
According to AMA Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Gilbert Nii Ankrah, nine of the fishmongers complied with the court’s ruling and paid their fines.
However, one, Sophia Quaye, failed to settle her penalty.
Mr. Ankrah further revealed that the court has issued seven bench warrants for individuals who failed to appear in connection with the offence.
He explained that during the operation on 4 February, Regina Tettey and Mary Attah were arrested and subsequently appeared before the court on 5 February. Both pleaded guilty and informed the court that others were also involved in the practice.
Their testimony led to the identification of 15 additional persons, of whom eight appeared before the court.
Highlighting the health implications, Mr. Ankrah stressed that drying anchovies on road medians poses serious public health risks.
Fish exposed to vehicle exhaust fumes, dust, and heavy metals from traffic could easily become contaminated, increasing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses, including diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid fever, and other gastrointestinal infections.
The AMA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanitation regulations and ensuring food safety within the metropolis.
