Aquatic weeds can cause GH₵10 million monthly loss at Kpong Hydro Plant — Ing. Akim Tijani

The Volta River Authority (VRA) risks losing up to GH₵10 million monthly in power generation at the Kpong Hydro Electric Power Plant due to invasive aquatic weeds obstructing hydro operations.

This was revealed by Ing. Akim Tijani, Project Manager in charge of Technical Services, during a three-day inland waterways assessment tour by the acting Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Navy Captain (Rtd.) Dr Kamal-Deen Ali.

The proliferation of aquatic weeds, particularly water hyacinth, poses a major challenge on Ghana's inland waterways, especially the Volta Lake.

These fast-growing invasive plants form dense mats on water surfaces, disrupting hydroelectric power generation by clogging turbines and impeding water flow.

They also hinder canoe transportation, reduce fish stocks, and harm local economies reliant on fishing and ecotourism.

To mitigate these challenges, the GMA has provided three aquatic weed skimmers – two of which are operational at Kpong, while the third is deployed in Ada. Dr Kamal-Deen assessed Skimmers Two and Three at the Kpong Headpond Aquatic Weed Harvesting Project and commended their role in maintaining clear waterways critical for efficient power production and community livelihoods.

He explained that beyond facilitating energy output, the skimmers support local fisheries and transport systems and promoted inland waterway safety.

He added that the harvested aquatic weeds were repurposed into compost, creating additional value in agriculture and enhancing the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Ing. Tijani noted that lessons drawn from the Kpong intervention would help inform future operational and technical responses across the country's inland water bodies.

The visit forms part of Dr Kamal-Deen Ali's wider mission to strengthen oversight of Ghana's inland waterway infrastructure since assuming office in January 2025.

Since his appointment, Dr Kamal-Deen has championed initiatives to revitalise Ghana's maritime sector, including strategic collaborations with the Regional Maritime University for education and job creation.

GNA