The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) has issued a pressing call for the immediate dredging of the Ada estuary.
Their plea is in response to the extensive flooding in numerous communities triggered by the overflow of the Akosombo Dam.
This devastating situation has displaced countless residents, with homes, livelihoods, businesses, schools, hospitals, and farms submerged in the massive influx of water stemming from the dam's spillage.
Affected individuals have either sought refuge with relatives elsewhere or have been accommodated in temporary camps as their communities find themselves submerged in the Volta River Authority (VRA) spillage.
Mr. Daniel Ameduame Sotei, the National Financial Secretary of CaFGOAG, stressed the urgency of dredging the Ada estuary, emphasizing that the dredging operation should encompass both a significant width and depth.
This action would enable a smoother flow of water from the affected communities into the open sea.
Mr. Sotei, also a Marine Navigator, explained that by creating the necessary space in the estuary, water retention within the communities would be reduced as the Akosombo Dam's spillage persists.
Rev. Herbert Kwaku Nuworkpor, an Executive Member of CaFGOAG, echoed the significance of estuary dredging, pointing out that the current silt accumulation hampers the estuary's performance.
Due to this silt buildup, floodwater cannot efficiently flow into the open sea, leading to water retention in communities downstream of the Volta River.
CaFGOAG's leadership also emphasized that beyond the immediate relief of the flood's impact, dredging the estuary would allow fish to swim freely and lay eggs, consequently helping to restore the fish stock.
They further advocated for constructing a harbor at the estuary, a measure expected to create economic opportunities and enhance safety, particularly by preventing frequent canoe accidents in the area.