LOWER VOLTA BASIN
The Lower Volta Basin (LVB), part of the extensive Volta River system, covers a critical area in Ghana, supporting agriculture, fisheries, hydropower generation, and diverse ecosystems. The basin serves as an essential resource for domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities, impacting the livelihoods of millions within its catchment. With its unique geographical features, socio-economic significance, and ecological diversity, the Lower Volta Basin secretariat coordinates all water resource management activities and serves as one of the vital offices for Ghana’s sustainable development.
Institutional Arrangements
The Lower Volta Basin Office is an integral arm of the Water Resources Commission (WRC). It coordinates efforts to implement Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) within the basin. The office works closely with local government assemblies, other governmental agencies, and community groups to address challenges such as pollution, flooding, and water use conflicts.
The institutional framework comprises:
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Lower Volta Basin Secretariat: Facilitating day-to-day operations and stakeholder engagement.
- Lower Volta Basin Board: The Board represents a wide sphere of interest groups within the Basin that has a consultative and strategic advisory role relating to the management of water resources.
Sub-basin Committees:
Stakeholder Partnerships: Collaboration with local and international agencies for sustainable management of water resources within the Basin.
Location and Demographics
The Lower Volta Basin is situated in the south-eastern part of Ghana. The area covers around 9,867km2 with a population of 2,481,662 (per the 2021 PHC). The Lower Volta Basin covers twenty-one (21) administrative districts within the Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions of Ghana, and stretches to the Gulf of Guinea.
Its geographical coordinates fall approximately within longitudes 0°30’W to 0°45’W and latitudes 5°45’N to 6°15’N. The basin shares boundaries with other vital catchments, including the Densu, Ankobra, and Pra Basins, providing critical interlinkages for water resource management.
Within the Lower Volta Basin is the Volta Delta shown as the area within latitudes 5°25′ and 6°40′ N and longitude 0°10′ and 1°10′ E along the eastern coast of Ghana.
The Volta Delta constitutes an area that is defined below the 30m contour.
The Basin office is located at the first floor of the new block of the South Tongu District Assembly, Sogakope, Volta Region.
Due to urbanization, it is likely that the proportion of people living in cities will increase, although around 41% of the population now resides in rural areas. The population within the LVB is very young and is characterized by high levels of migration.
River Networks
The LVB is drained mainly by the Volta River with a few other coastal rivers like Tordzie and Aka that drains into the delta and ends up in the Avu lagoon as well as Klikpa and Blikpa rivers that drain into the Keta lagoon. The Basin comprises of two major hydropower dams which are; Akosombo and Kpong dams.
Geology
The Lower Volta Basin features a diverse geological landscape comprising quaternary sediments, alluvial deposits, and sandstone formations. This geological composition influences the basin’s water flow, soil fertility, and groundwater availability. The terrain is predominantly low-lying, with areas of undulating topography contributing to unique hydrological dynamics.
The LVB consists of a delta to which studies have shown that the core consists of a multi-layered soil system with peat layers dating 5000-7000 years before present date
Soils
The basin’s soils range from sandy loams in the coastal savannah areas to fertile alluvial soils along the riverbanks. These soils support a variety of agricultural activities, including rice farming, vegetable cultivation, and aquaculture. However, some areas suffer from nutrient depletion and salinity, requiring sustainable soil management practices.
Vegetation and Wildlife
The Lower Volta Basin hosts a range of vegetation types, from mangroves along the estuarine zones to savannah and thicket vegetation inland. Two dominant species of mangrove being the red and white mangroves (Rhizophora and Laguncularia) can be found within the LVB. The basin supports diverse wildlife, including migratory birds, freshwater fish, and reptiles. Of particular significance are the turtles found in the coastal areas and estuarine zones of the basin. These turtles, which include species such as the Olive Ridley and Green turtles, play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. The area is also noted for the critically endangered West Africa Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) and West Africa Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) as well as several types of marine turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea, Chelonia mydas and Dermochelys coriacea). That is, their habitats are threatened by human activities such as sand winning, pollution, and unregulated development. Conservation efforts are being implemented to protect these species and their nesting sites. Two major protected areas namely the Anlo-Keta Lagoon complex Ramsar site and the Songor Lagoon Ramsar and Biosphere reserve site, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is within the Basin.
Socio-Economic Activities
The basin’s population engages primarily in agriculture, fishing, small-scale trading, and salt mining. Others include tourism, mining, manufacturing, commerce and services, real estate, and housing. Salt mining is a significant economic activity in the coastal areas, particularly in locations such as Ada and Keta. This activity not only contributes to local livelihoods but also supports Ghana’s broader economy through salt production for domestic and industrial use. However, it presents environmental challenges, such as habitat disruption and salinity intrusion, necessitating effective management practices.
Achievements
The Lower Volta Basin Office has recorded notable successes, including:
- Improved community awareness of water resource management.
- Restoration of mangrove ecosystems in collaboration with local communities is ongoing.
- Enhanced water quality monitoring leading to better compliance with regulations.
- Establishment of a database for water use and well drilling activities.
- Strengthened partnerships with stakeholders to address pollution and flooding.
- Implementation of Buffer zone policy.
The Lower Volta Basin Office continues to play a pivotal role in the sustainable management of one of Ghana’s most significant water resources. Through strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and robust community engagement, the office is committed to balancing developmental needs with ecological sustainability. Its efforts contribute not only to the well-being of the basin’s inhabitants but also to Ghana’s broader water resource management goals.
This comprehensive approach serves as a model for integrated water resource management across Ghana’s basins where the emphasis is on lasting positive effects and benefits rather than short-term advantages.
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Leshie Cres, Accra
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm