Ghana’s energy production and local economies face mounting pressure as invasive aquatic weeds, particularly water hyacinth, choke critical waterways feeding the Kpong Hydro Electric Power Plant. The Volta River Authority (VRA) now risks losing up to GH₵10 million monthly in power generation if urgent measures aren’t taken.
This stark reality was revealed by Ing. Akim Tijani, Project Manager in charge of Technical Services at the VRA, during a strategic inland waterways inspection tour by Navy Captain (Rtd.) Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, acting Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
More than just a nuisance, the rapid spread of aquatic weeds on the Volta Lake is emerging as a national threat. These plants clog turbines, reduce water flow to hydroelectric systems, impede canoe transportation, and disrupt fisheries, all of which undermine power supply, food security, and the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians who rely on inland water transport and fishing.
In response, the GMA has deployed three specially designed aquatic weed skimmers — two actively clearing weeds at the Kpong Headpond and one operating in Ada. Dr. Kamal-Deen, during his assessment of Skimmers Two and Three, praised the innovation not only for preserving the integrity of energy infrastructure but also for contributing to environmental sustainability.
The harvested weeds are repurposed into organic compost, supporting agriculture and closing the loop on waste, creating green jobs and added economic value in local communities.
“The skimmer operations are not just about energy. They are about ecosystem resilience, safe navigation, and sustainable development,” Dr. Kamal-Deen said.
Ing. Tijani highlighted that the knowledge gained from the Kpong initiative would serve as a blueprint for other interventions on Ghana’s inland water bodies. The Kpong model, he said, could be replicated to tackle similar ecological and operational challenges nationwide.
Since taking office in January 2025, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali has been steering a new direction for the GMA—one that tightly links maritime governance with climate adaptation, energy resilience, and local economic empowerment. His visit to Kpong is part of a broader push to enhance inland waterway infrastructure and align with Ghana’s energy and environmental sustainability goals.
