The Volta River Authority (VRA) has relocated fish sellers at the Kpong Wharf to a new market constructed with modern facilities at the lakeside at Kpong in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.
The relocation of the women is a renewal of VRA’s commitment to the environment, the people and to the future survival of the lake.
The newly constructed market has facilities which consist of market sheds, washrooms and septic systems. It was built at an estimated cost of GH¢1,943 454.27.
Commissioning the facility on the theme: “Empowering fisher folks for sustainable livelihood: Nurturing the hands that feed us,” the Deputy Chief Executive, Engineering and Operations of VRA, Samuel Odartey Lamptey, said over the years, the presence of traders at the wharf has obstructed the dredging and weed harvesting operations which were essential to controlling the aquatic weeds threatening to overrun the lake.
Mr Lamptey, who was represented by the Director of Technical Services, Akim Tijani, said it was for that reason that the VRA, in collaboration with the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly, had responded to the challenge with urgency and foresight.
“The Kpong head pond of the Volta Lake has long served as a vital source of livelihood in diverse ways for many communities and hydroelectric power generation.
However, as we all know, the activities along the waterfront have begun to pose serious challenges to the quality of the lake and the broader ecosystem, requiring immediate intervention,” Mr Lamptey explained.
Integrity of the lake
The Deputy CEO, Engineering and Operations, emphasised that the relocation of fishmongers from the waterfront was not simply a logistical adjustment or an administrative exercise, as it was a strategic intervention that sought to preserve the integrity of the Volta Lake for the benefit of all.
He explained that the wharf was not designed for commercial trading, and the lack of basic sanitation facilities had led to unhygienic practices that endangered both public health and the Lake’s existence, stressing “The relocation project, therefore, is not just about moving people but it is about creating a safer, cleaner and more sustainable befitting environment.”
The Market Queen of the Kpong Fish Sellers Association, Mabel Kokroko, praised VRA for what she described as a “decent and modern fish market.”
She said the project would help safeguard and improve the income capacity of the traders and contribute to the local economy through job creation and improved business practices.
“Relocating us, the market women, to a dedicated, well-planned facility streamlines market operations, making it easier to manage the supply chain, ensure quality standards and reduce congestion, and, above all, promote the 24-hour economy for the area,” she stated.
The Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Chief Executive, John Atteh Matey, commended VRA for the support, foresight and thoughtfulness.
The Chief of Kpong, Nene Kpabitey Nyako, who chaired the function, appealed to VRA to reduce the weeds in the Lake at Kpong to make it safer for the fisherfolk.
Highlight
The wharf was not designed for commercial trading and the lack of basic sanitation facilities had led to unhygienic practices that endangered both public health and the Lake’s existence.
