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Ghana has placed a ban on the importation of all tilapia fish and all ornamental fishes in its bid to prevent the outbreak of the Tilapia Lake Virus (TILV) which is currently threatening the global fish indistry.
The Tilapia Lake Virus (TILV) has no cure, and has been found in Tilapia farms across Africa, Asia and South America.
The country’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture said the ban will be in place for six-months and will take effect on Sunday. Both live and dead tilapia fish are covered by the ban.
Tilapia is a popular dish in Ghana. It is often served with Banku, a fermented corn and cassava dough.
There are a few Tilapia farms in Ghana, but the farming is done on a small scale.
Ghana’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has announced a ban on the import of “all ornamental fishes and tilapia species”.