The Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers Council of Ghana has requested that the government and the Council of State establish a national commemoration day to honour the 60th anniversary of the Akosombo Dam, in acknowledgement of its enormous contribution to Ghana’s growth.
Mr Daniel Akpaglo Nyamekor, National Vice President of the Council, made the plea during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Krachi East, citing the anniversary as an occasion for the country to consider the dam’s far-reaching consequences beyond electricity generation.
He said that the development of the Volta Lake had revolutionised livelihoods throughout the country, notably among fishing groups, fish traders, farmers, and citizens living along its banks.
“The Volta Lake has become the backbone of inland fisheries and a vital resource for agriculture, transportation and settlement development,” Nyamekor said.
“While the Akosombo Dam is widely recognised for its role in power generation, its contribution to fisheries, employment creation and local economic development equally deserves national recognition.”
Mr. Nyamekor encouraged the government to boost support for the fishing industry and address the developmental issues facing communities surrounding Volta Lake during the centennial celebrations.
He claims that focused measures would support the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians whose family incomes and economic activity rely on the lake.
In response to fishermen’s concerns, Mr. Isaiah Kudjoe Dordoe, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nkwanta North, revealed that the Assembly would send a communiqué to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to make it easier for fishermen working on Volta Lake to obtain subsidised outboard motors.
Additionally, he urged fishers to apply for the Ghana Card, stating that access to the proposed support program and other government initiatives will require the national identity card.
The Akosombo Dam, which was put into service in 1966, created Volta Lake, one of the biggest artificial lakes in the world in terms of surface area.
The dam continues to be a vital national asset six decades after it was put into service, making a substantial contribution to inland transportation, energy security, fisheries development, and the socioeconomic well-being of the lakefront villages.
Source: newsthemegh.com