By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai (O/R), June 5, GNA – 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.
Mr Daniel Akpaglo Nyamekor, National Vice President of the Council, made the call during an engagement with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) 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 said the creation of the Volta Lake had transformed livelihoods across the country, particularly among fishing communities, fish traders, farmers and residents living along its banks.
“The Volta Lake has become the backbone of inland fisheries and a vital resource for agriculture, transportation and settlement development,” Mr Nyamekor stated.
“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 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.
According to him, 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 communiqué to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to facilitate access to subsidised 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 programme 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.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade