The Veins of Ghana: Life Along the Black and White Volta
Exploring the interconnected lives and environmental impacts along Ghana's Volta River
Water: a reflecting mirror
"When water cries" highlights the unfair treatment and lack of respect towards water. The project suggests that water acts as a mirror, reflecting the harm inflicted upon it back onto humanity. Water is essential providing numerous benefits, yet it is often mistreated.
Kete Krachi, Ghana (2022) by Fibi AfloeOriginal Source: Fibi Afloe
Gonja's water source
The Gonja Kingdom in Northern Ghana is naturally bordered by the Black and White Volta rivers. For years, these water bodies have been crucial for human benefit, supporting the construction of dams for electricity and irrigation.
Overview of the community in Kete Krachi, Ghana. (2022) by Fibi AfloeNuku Studio
The Dams: Progress and Disruption
Dams like Akosombo (constructed 1963), Bagré (Burkina Faso, 1994), and Bui (constructed 2013) have brought economic productivity but also significantly interfere with nature. This interference threatens the livelihoods of many living along the Black and White Volta River.
Buipe´s cattle market (2022) by Amelie KoerbsOriginal Source: Amelie Koerbs
Floodings force people to improvise
Around 500 - 1000 cows enter the Buipe market. In 2022, the cattle market got partially flooded due to the opening of the Bagre dam compromising the space to sell the cows. Because of that, it becomes very dangerous for traders and buyers to move in between.
Voices from the riverbanks
In Buipe, the impact of flooding is evident. The cattle market has been partially flooded, affecting livelihoods like Abubakar's. Residents like Danku Clinton have experienced water entering their homes, and Jamila's house now stands close to the encroaching water.
Portrait of Abdraham Sariha (2022) by Amelie KoerbsOriginal Source: Amelie Koerbs
Bui dam's impact
Abdraham Sariha and Rashid Sofia have seen their home flooded multiple times due to the opening of the Bui Dam, leading to fear of the water.
Salaga (2022) by Amelie KoerbsOriginal Source: Amelie Koerbs
A shifting landscape: the case of salaga
While not directly flooded, Salaga has been affected by the changing infrastructure due to dams. The rivers have widened, making crossings difficult, and the construction of the Buipe Bridge has rerouted trade, diminishing Salaga's importance as a trading center.
Adapting to change: lakeside farming
Communities like Hawa's family have had to adapt their farming practices due to fluctuating water levels at the lakeside. They initially farmed rice near the lake but now focus on yam farming on the hilltop due to the unpredictable nature of of the river.
The river banks of the Black Volta River (2022) by Fibi AfloeOriginal Source: Fibi Afloe
The Volta's double edge
The Volta's story is one of progress and hardship, highlighting the complex relationship between development and the environment. The river's impact shapes lives and livelihoods, demanding a balance between progress and preservation.
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