National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council (NICFC) is appealing for support for inland fishing communities in Savannah, Northern, North East, Bono, Bono East, Eastern, Oti, Volta and parts of Greater Accra Region.
The council noted that the spillage of the Akosombo Dam continues to affect the lives and livelihoods of inland fisher folks in the aforementioned regions.
“We appeal to well-meaning Ghanaians, the Government of Ghana, Volta River Authority, NGOs and external agencies to come to our aid as the spillage of the Akosombo Dam continues to affect the lives and livelihoods of inland fishing communities,” the council said in a statement signed by the President of NICFC, Jacob Kabore Tetteh Ageke.
It called for effective collaboration between capable agencies to help cushion the situation.
“In the spirit of partnership, solidarity and goodwill, we call on the Volta River Authority to foster effective collaboration with the National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council.
“With a membership of over 120,000 fishers, processors, traders, and other ancillary service providers in 38 districts, 1,600 communities and 10 regions, the Council brings together the collective solidarity from the Inland Fisheries Sector in the struggle against poverty and deprivation; and the quest for sustainable fisheries, food security and social justice for all fishers: men and women, regardless of their social standing, tribe or political affiliation.
“It is our firm conviction that; even in the face of the unfolding socio-economic livelihood consequences of the Akosombo Dam spillage, the Council, together with the VRA, can achieve more to ameliorate the plight of affected communities when we consult and engage with each other than on our individual and institutional capacities,” it said.
It also expressed its deepest sympathy to individuals and communities affected, urging them to move to higher grounds to protect lives and properties left.
“The Executives of the National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council (NICFC), wish to affirm our unwavering solidarity and support to all our members and their families who have been affected by the recent Akosombo Dam spillage disaster. Our dear members – we know most of you have lost your livelihood, as well as fishing gear, farms, markets, cages, and other valuable equipment and property. However, as the effects of the spillage are far from over, we encourage you to continue moving to higher grounds to protect your lives and whatever property is left. Please stay strong.
We are fully aware that; for some of you moving to higher grounds remains a challenge as you will require premix-fuel which you have complained is very scarce or sold at exorbitant prices on the black market. Despite the intractable premix fuel distribution problems over the years, however; please use whatever means possible to move to higher grounds,” it added.
