The Ankobra River

River Ankobara in blue color and covered by trees

Do you want to know about the Ankobra River? If yes, then this article is for you. In this piece of writing, I have explained the geography, dimensions, course, sufferings, tourism, fish, and many more of the Ankobra River.

So without further waiting, let’s get into the details of the river.

Geography, Dimensions, and Course of the Ankobra River

Ankobra is a river situated in Ghana which is a country in western Africa. This river flows from Wiawso, through major towns and villages to join the sea at Ankobra near Axim. The river has its source from Basin Dare and is fed by the Nini River. Ankobara River flows almost 190 kilometers south to the Gulf of Guinea. It is a source of irrigation for farmers.

It is selected as the third basin after Densu and Volta Basins by Water Resources Commission and they have worked to raise public concerns about the impact of mining on water quality, human health, and the whole environment.

Sufferings of Ankobra River

Because of having rich sources of minerals like manganese, silver, mercury, gold, and diamond as well, this river came under attack by illegal miners known as glams eyers. Now due to its richness in useful minerals, it has become the most exploited river in Ghana. Due to the adverse effects of mining, water quality has dramatically decreased. The river was Geary polluted and its color changed from deep blue to a muddy brownish shade.

Chinese nationals and some industries of Ghana mined this river directly, which is illegal, for alluvial gold (dust-like particles of gold found in soil). They built a custom ship to mine the river. Later they were arrested by Ghana police and sent to the secondary high court to face the law.

Tourism at Ankobra River

Ankobra Beach, known as a mysterious river, could be a place to immerse yourself at a peaceful site. Despite having bad conditions, this river has special tourist attractions. By Ghanaian motorboat, people used to have excursions to the whole of Ankobra beach. At the sideways of the beach, there are many trees that seem like a thick jungle around the river named a mangrove jungle. In the jungle, Ghanaian people have small huts.

There are trees of bananas and dates, cassava fields, water pools, etc. Moreover, there is also a long bridge where you can see the whole Ankobra River. There is also a site of naturally making local gin and grappa (alcoholic beverages), made by palm wines.

Uses of the Ankobra River

Ankobra River is most commonly used by Ghanaians as a transportation means to take food, animals, and people from one place to another.
This river is specifically used by people for fishing as it has a rich population of various types of fish species.
For farmers, this river serves as a herbicide application.
Its bamboo trees are used for building construction, fireworks, roofing, and fencing.
Its high amount of gold is a source of income generation.

Fishery Resources

As human activities caused depletion in the fish population, however, its fishery resources still contribute significantly to the livelihood of Ghanaians. Men in this region are mostly fishers while women are fishmongers. They first make fishing gear with raffia pots then with the help of these pots they catch fish. There are three kinds of fishery resources; periwinkle, shrimps, and casual freshwater fish.

Periwinkle is the cheapest while the shrimps are among the most expensive resources. It is believed that due to continued degradation and excessive human activities at this river, there is a risk of severe hardship for the inhabitants as they so much depend on its riches and resources.

Conclusion

This is a river that is flowing in Ghana, Africa. The river has a rich source of minerals. There are beautiful places to see. Also, the river has many species of fish. So, I hope, after having read this article, you would have got much information about the Ankobra River. Your one visit can bring you here time and again because of its natural beauty.