In a joint effort to restore the Volta River’s navigability and promote tourism, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in collaboration with the Volta River Authority (VRA), has commenced a massive dredging operation to remove aquatic weeds and submerged tree stumps clogging the river.
According to the Director-General of the GMA, Naval Captain Kamal-Deen Ali (Rtd), the intervention has become necessary due to the alarming spread of aquatic weeds and tree stumps, which are not only undermining water transportation but also threatening the aesthetic and economic potential of the river, especially in the tourism sector.
“The integrity of the Volta River is under serious threat. We are taking proactive measures to restore its health and usability,” Captain Kamal-Deen Ali said.
He revealed that the GMA has acquired specialized dredging equipment, including three skimmers and a number of excavators, to facilitate the clean-up.
A site visit to Kpone on Tuesday, June 3, confirmed the severity of the situation, with large portions of the river choked by thick vegetation and debris. Officials emphasized the need for sustained dredging to maintain a safe and navigable waterway.
As part of the operation, the leadership of the Ghana Maritime Authority also paid an official visit to the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) to assess the company’s operations and explore avenues for collaboration.
During the visit, the Managing Director of VLTC Angela Oforiwa Alowu-Tay, raised concerns about the company’s operational challenges.
Speaking to TV3, she explained that although the company owns six vessels, most are inoperable due to engine faults, which has drastically reduced their service delivery and revenue.
“We have great potential to generate more income and serve the public better,” she stated, “but we are hampered by outdated infrastructure and insufficient investment.”
Transportation along the Volta River has long been fraught with difficulties, including frequent accidents resulting from submerged tree stumps, inadequate regulation, and heavy siltation. These challenges have led to loss of lives and property over the years.
The current dredging initiative is expected to address these issues, ensuring safer navigation, boosting economic activity, and opening new opportunities for tourism and inland water transport.
Authorities are calling for a collaborative approach, including sustained government support and private sector participation, to fully harness the Volta River’s potential as a key transportation and tourism corridor in Ghana.
