Fishing activities in the Lower Volta Basin have declined in recent years. A close observation reveals that, the mainstay of the people around the Volta Basin is now a threat due to aquatic weeds. Accordingly, there are about fifteen separate traditional areas that have been affected by this water weeds.This came to light in an interview with the Paramount chief of Ada traditional area, Nene Abram Kabu
Akuaku III. Nene Akuaku who doubles as the President of the Greater Accra Regional house of chiefs mentioned the traditional areas affected by the water weeds as Osudoku, Akuse, Fodzoku, Togomeh, Doffour and Volo. Others are Mepe, Bakpa, Vume, Tefle, Sokpoe, Agave not excluding Dove and Ada.
The paramount chief lamented that the devastating nature of the aquatic weeds is alarming and explained that the prevalence of these weeds poses a strong hazard to the fishing industry.
“Even though the species hide under the weeds to lay their eggs and because the fisher folks find it difficult catching them to sustain their livelihood, they use dangerous chemicals to haul out these fishes and by so doing destroy the species including the fingerlings,” Nene Ada explained.
Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku identified the Volta River Authority as the resource provider in the control of the aquatic weeds. He also called on Government to establish an aquatic or marine institute in Ada to 
train the youth on fish farming and approved fishing practices.
The establishment of wharf was promised some years ago but did not materialize, the paramount chief has reminded the Government to fulfill its promise to construct a wharf at Akplabanya and Anyamam landing beaches in the Ada West District.
Credit: Noah Dameh
