Lake Volta: One of the world’s largest man-made lakes, it’s a lifeline for fishing, transport, and clean water. But plastic pollution and illegal dumping threaten its future.
The Plastic Problem
- Widespread Waste: Over 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste enter Ghana’s waterways every year — much of it ends up in Lake Volta.
- Impact on Fishing: Plastic debris chokes nets, harms fish stocks, and reduces income for local fisherfolk.
- Community Action: NGOs and schools along Volta’s banks run clean-ups and teach students to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
“If we lose Lake Volta to waste, we lose our food and our future.”
- Emmanuel Kwabla, local fisherman, Yeji
How You Can Help
- Join Clean-ups: Volunteer for local waste collection events around Lake Volta.
- Reduce Plastic: Carry your own bags and bottles — every piece counts.
- Educate Others: Talk to your community about why plastic pollution hurts us all.
2 Comments
Yaw Osei • Yeji, BA
We fish here every day. The plastic waste is getting worse — thank you for sharing this story.
Ama Kwabena • Akosombo, ER
My school does monthly clean-ups. It feels good to protect our lake for the next generation!