Krachi east: The Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers Council of Ghana has called on Government and the Council of State to institute a national commemorative day to mark the 60th anniversary of the Akosombo Dam, in recognition of its immense contribution to Ghana's development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Daniel Akpaglo Nyamekor, National Vice President of the Council, made the call during an engagement in the Krachi East, describing the anniversary as an opportunity for the nation to reflect on the dam's far-reaching impact beyond electricity generation. He highlighted how the creation of the Volta Lake has transformed livelihoods across the country, particularly among fishing communities, fish traders, farmers, and residents living along its banks.
Mr. Nyamekor stated, 'The Volta Lake has become the backbone of inland fisheries and a vital resource for agriculture, transportation, and settlement development.' He emphasized that while the Akosombo Dam is widely recognized for its role in power generation, its contribution to fisheries, employment creation, and local economic development equally deserves national recognition.
Further, Mr. Nyamekor urged the Government to use the anniversary celebrations to address developmental challenges confronting communities along the Volta Lake and strengthen support for the fisheries sector. He noted that targeted interventions would help sustain the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians who depend on the lake for their economic activities and household incomes.
Responding to concerns raised by fishermen, Mr. Isaiah Kudjoe Dordoe, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nkwanta North, disclosed that the Assembly would submit a communiqu© to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to facilitate access to subsidized outboard motors for fishermen operating on the Volta Lake. He also encouraged fishermen to register for the Ghana Card, explaining that the national identification card would be required to access the proposed support program and other government interventions.
Commissioned in 1966, the Akosombo Dam led to the creation of the Volta Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world by surface area. Six decades after its commissioning, the dam remains a strategic national asset, contributing significantly to energy security, inland transportation, fisheries development, and the socio-economic wellbeing of communities along the lake.