When Water Cries: Life Along Ghana's Volta Rivers
Explore the complex interplay between human actions, nature, and development in the Volta River basin.
Children playing at the ferry dock (2022) by Amelie KoerbsOriginal Source: Amelie Koerbs
Who is responsible?
The "When water cries" explores the connection between nature and humans and their effects on communities along the Black and White River. It raises a crucial question, who bears the responsibility when the delicate balance between humans and nature is disrupted?
The Gonja Kingdom in Northern Ghana, bordered by the Black and White Volta rivers, has seen development through the construction of the Akosombo, Bagré, and Bui dams constructed in 1963, 1994 and 2013 respectively, which provide electricity and irrigation.
The river banks of the Black Volta River (2022) by Fibi AfloeOriginal Source: Fibi Afloe
The price of progress?
While dams are undeniably crucial for providing electricity and irrigation, they also significantly disrupt natural ecosystems and threaten the livelihoods of many people living along the Black and White Volta River.
New Makango (2022) by Amelie KoerbsOriginal Source: Amelie Koerbs
Development's ripple effect
The construction of dams like Akosombo and Bui altered livelihoods, as seen in Kete Krachi, capital of the Krachi West District in the Oti Region of Ghana and Old Makango, {where}. The events highlight the lasting impacts of development projects on local communities and environments.
Portrait of Nana Kwabena Kunde (2022) by Fibi AfloeOriginal Source: Fibi Afloe
The disappearing livelihoods
Many individuals, like Nana Kwabena Kunde, Nana Yaw Agie, Daniel Koomson, and the people of Yapei, express concerns about the sustainability of their traditional livelihoods due to environmental changes. This uncertainty pushes younger generations to seek opportunities elsewhere
Woman carrying guinea fowls (2022) by Fibi AfloeOriginal Source: Fibi Afloe
Reconnecting with Nature
Let's listen to what the water is telling us! Our fates are intertwined with nature's. When we harm water, we harm ourselves. Rebalancing our relationship with nature is key to our survival. Let's start treating water fairly!
The White Volta Lake (2022) by Fibi AfloeOriginal Source: Fibi Afloe
A global struggle beyond the Volta
"When water cries" shows the Black & White Volta's struggles echo worldwide. Respecting and preserving our precious water isn't just local; it's our universal responsibility. Our survival depends on it.
"When water cries" - A collaborative project by Fibi Afloe and Amelie Koerbs
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