The structure, migration and resettlement of Ewe fishing units

SYNOPSIS

Ewe fishermen have a tradition of migration. On the coast of Ghana this migration takes place in companies of up to sixty men who may live away from their homes for some eight months of the year. The coastal fishermen are noted for their skill in the operation of the beach seine net, but owing to the high cost of these nets, the migration of fishing companies depends largely on the initiative of the net owners. These are often not Ewe but Ga or Fante who employ fishermen seasonally and provided for their board and upkeep whilst they are away from home. Because of the nature of coastal fishing, the annual migration of the Ewe fishermen does not generally, lead to their resettlement. In the inland fisheries however, various conditions give greater flexibility and mobility to fishing activities. The annual migration of Ewe fishermen from the Tongu district of the lower Volta frequently leads to their subsequent resettlement on the rivers of the Northern Ghana, so that many of the Tongu villages downstream are gradually becoming depopulated.

The coastal fishing industry is rapidly undergoing reorganization owing to the introduction of mechanized craft and modern fishing techniques. Very soon these may threaten the livelihood of the Ewe coastal fishermen. Inland fisheries however, will offer great opportunities to the Ewe, especially if a lake is created on the Volta river by damming for the Volta River Project. If this does occur, the process of the resettlement of Ewe fishermen, already well advanced in districts in the North, will be hastened and may well attract Ewe from the coastal regions.