Fishers at Dixcove demand breakwater reconstruction after deadly sea currents claim lives and livelihoods
The fishing community reports that approximately ten lives have been lost to oceanic currents while navigating vessels to the basin, with wrecked canoes and damaged gear costing an average of GH₵300,000 per incident.
Artisanal fishermen in the coastal town of Dixcove are demanding urgent reconstruction of their landing site's breakwater due to a rise in deadly accidents and severe economic losses. According to the affected community, around ten lives have been lost to treacherous sea currents while fishing, with each wrecked canoe and damaged gear costing an average of GH₵300,000.
The current breakwater, designed to absorb and deflect ocean waves, has reportedly made the situation worse, especially during the high-current months of August and September. Fishermen express fear, particularly in August, when currents are strongest.
Thomas Sagoe, a local fisherman, argues that the breakwater's placement is the main issue, stating, "You will die if you don't know how to swim. It would have been better if the breakwater was built at the other end." The financial consequences of these accidents are significant for households reliant on daily catches. One fisherman lamented, "We are suffering in Dixcove. Losing about GH₵300,000 in a day to these currents – how will we survive?"
Nana Kwaku Dade II, Chief Fisher of Lower Dixcove, has called on the government to reconstruct the breakwater and redirect its opening toward a safer landing area. He cites a successful reconstruction in a neighboring community as evidence that the project works, noting that Axim, which experienced a similar incident, has seen its breakwater repaired, and the currents have improved.
"We've been shouting about this for a long time. Axim faced the same problem, and now theirs has been fixed. The currents at Axim were even more dangerous than ours, but we no longer face the same issues," he said.
The frustration has escalated to political threats, with community leaders announcing plans for a demonstration and warning of an election boycott if their demands are unmet. Nana Kwaku Dade II stressed, "We have decided to go on a demonstration. If the government fails to act, we will boycott future elections." While awaiting a response from authorities, fishermen are already implementing safety measures for each fishing trip.
The broader issue of coastal hazards in the Western Region is echoed in Dixcove, where over 91% of fishermen reported occupational accidents within three months, largely due to insufficient safety infrastructure and environmental challenges.
Written by urgent.news from 3News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
