Garu, Oct. 3, 2024 – Fishermen in Garu and surrounding areas revealed the harsh impact of insufficient rainfall on their livelihoods, citing significant declines in fish sales and scarcity of popular fish species.
During a visit to inspect the One-Village One-Dam project in Garu and Tempane, fishermen expressed concerns about the dam’s unusually low water level.
“The devastating rainfall shortage has prevented the dam from filling up as usual,” said Mr. Kofi Atiga, a local fisherman.
The low water level and lack of freshwater have resulted in a drastic reduction of fish types, including mudfish and redfish. This scarcity has severely affected fishermen’s income.
Mr. Abugri Williams, a seasoned fisherman, shared his struggles. “Last year, between September and October, I sold GH100.00 Cedis worth of fish daily, excluding my family’s consumption.
This year, I haven’t even reached GH50.00 Cedis daily.” Today, his sales stood at a meager GH25.00 Cedis, barely enough for his family’s supper.
The Zulen Dam, which existed before the government’s One-Village One-Dam project expanded it, has historically supported the local fishing industry.
Fishermen are eager for relief, hoping the coming rainy season will replenish the dam and restore their livelihoods.
by Abugri Amos
